Robot Arm Handle Input Layout for Ergonomic Teach-In Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot arms lack ergonomic design for efficient learning programming, requiring cumbersome operation and inadequate control elements for human-robot collaboration during the 'teach-in' process.
Innovation Solution
A robot arm with a handle-like extension featuring input elements arranged concentrically around an axis of rotation, allowing ergonomic operation with a thumb, and optionally including lighting, various button types, and a touchpad or touchscreen for easy data entry, along with a detachable design for optimal alignment and a grid mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control elements are placed on the robot body or arm, then the robot can be programmed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves control elements from traditional 2D surfaces (robot body or arm panels) to a 3D concentric arrangement around the rotation axis of the distal arm link. This dimensional transformation allows the operator to access control elements radially in all directions, enabling ergonomic operation regardless of the arm's orientation in space. The concentric arrangement around the rotation axis ensures that control elements remain within easy thumb reach while maintaining visibility and accessibility from any viewing angle.
2Ease of operation
If control elements are arranged on a flat surface, then manufacturing is simple, but accessibility and visibility for the operator are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements are arranged concentrically around the rotation axis in a radial pattern rather than on a flat surface. This radial arrangement in three dimensions allows the operator to access control elements from any direction, improving accessibility and visibility. The concentric positioning ensures that all control elements are equidistant from the rotation axis, creating a compact and ergonomic control interface that adapts to the cylindrical geometry of the robot arm.
3Ease of operation
If the robot arm structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to accommodate ergonomic control elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm is divided into modular segments, with the distal arm link serving as a separate module that incorporates the concentric control element arrangement. This segmentation allows the ergonomic control interface to be designed and manufactured independently as a self-contained unit, then integrated into the overall robot arm system. The modular approach maintains simplicity in the overall structure while enabling complex ergonomic features in the control interface.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a robot arm with a number N of arm elements An which can be connected to a robot body via a number N of actuator-drivable joint connections GVn, where n = 1, 2,..., N; wherein the proximal end of the distal arm element AN of the robot arm is connected to the arm element AN-1 via the joint connection GVN; the proximal end of the proximal arm element can be connected to the robot body via the joint connection GV1; the joint connection GVN allows a rotation of the arm element AN about a rotational axis DN, the arm element AN of the robot arm extends along an axis L1, and the axis L1 and the rotational axis DN form an angle of 50 to 130°; the distal end of the arm element AN can be connected to an effector E via an actuator-drivable joint connection GVN+1; the joint connection GVN+1 allows a rotation of the effector E about a rotational axis N+1; the rotational axes DN and DN+1 form an angle W1 ranging from 50 to 130°; the rotational axis DN+1 and the axis L1 form an angle W2 ranging from 50 to 130°; the arm element AN has a grip-like protrusion F1 which is rigidly connected to the arm element and which extends concentrically to the rotational axis DN+1; a free end FE of the protrusion F1 can be rotated relative to the rest of the protrusion F1 about the rotational axis DN+1 or can be arranged so as to be rotatable about the rotational axis DN+1; and the free end FE has input elements EE for manually entering data. The proposed robot arm allows an improved ergonomic operation during a learning programming process of a robot comprising such a robot arm.