Robot Arm Communication Sync for Wireless Dropout Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication methods in robot apparatuses with articulated robot arms face issues such as erroneous operations and loss of real-time properties due to wireless communication disconnection, especially when the robot arm's orientation changes, leading to potential blockages or movement outside the communicable region.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that combines a transmission apparatus, a reception apparatus, and a wireless communication unit, where a synchronization signal is transmitted via a cable to ensure timely operation data transmission, even when wireless communication is disconnected, using a burst synchronization signal superimposed on a power supply cable and operation data transmitted wirelessly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless communication is used to transmit operation data, then the number of communication cables is reduced, but communication disconnection occurs when the robot arm's orientation changes or blocking objects appear
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits operation data in advance via wireless communication and stores it in a buffer memory. When wireless communication is available, data is sent ahead of time; when disconnection occurs, the stored data is used to maintain continuous operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer memory acts as an intermediary between the wireless communication unit and the operation execution unit. It temporarily stores operation data, allowing the system to bridge the gap between wireless communication interruptions and continuous operation requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple communication cables are used to transmit various signals, then all signals can be transmitted reliably, but the robot arm thickness increases and bending resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces multiple physical communication cables with wireless communication technology. This eliminates the need for bulky cable assemblies running through the robot arm, reducing arm thickness while maintaining signal transmission capability through electromagnetic waves instead of mechanical conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication unit consolidates multiple signal transmission functions (operation data, sensor data, control signals) into a single wireless communication channel, eliminating the need for separate cables for each signal type and reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If wireless communication is used, then cable thickness and durability issues are prevented, but erroneous operations occur when communication is disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
Operation data is transmitted and stored in advance in buffer memory when wireless communication is available. This preliminary action ensures that even if communication disconnects later, the robot can continue executing stored commands without interruption or erroneous operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the state of wireless communication and adjusts its operation accordingly. When disconnection is detected, it switches to using stored data from buffer memory, providing feedback-based adaptation that maintains operational reliability despite communication changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces erroneous operations and maintains real-time properties by ensuring continuous operation of the robot hand even during wireless communication disconnection, while reducing the number of communication cables and preventing increased thickness and durability issues in the robot arm.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication unit via which the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus wirelessly communicate with each other
Implementation Method 2
the transmission apparatus transmits a synchronization signal to the reception apparatus via the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a transmission apparatus configured to transmit operation data for an apparatus, a reception apparatus configured to receive the operation data, a wireless communication unit via which the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus wirelessly communicate with each other, and a cable configured to connect the transmission apparatus and the reception apparatus, wherein the transmission apparatus transmits a synchronization signal to the reception apparatus via the cable, the synchronization signal indicating a timing to execute the operation data, and wherein the transmission apparatus transmits the operation data corresponding to an operation of the apparatus in a predetermined period to the reception apparatus using the wireless communication unit.