Robot Arm Through Holes for Cable Routing and Orthogonal Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robots with multiple axes face limitations in movable range and posture changes, which can lead to external cable interference and maintenance challenges, especially when performing tasks like sealing or welding.
Innovation Solution
A robot design featuring a first arm and a second arm with orthogonal axes and through holes that allow for the secure passage of cables and external apparatuses, widening the movable range and facilitating maintenance by creating open spaces for cable management and apparatus housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot uses a conventional multi-axis structure without through holes, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the movable range is limited and cable management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The arm structure is segmented to include through holes that pass completely through the arm members. This segmentation allows cables and external apparatuses to be routed through the arm interior, enabling greater movable range and improved cable management without compromising the overall structural integrity of the robot arm.
2Reliability
If cables are routed externally on conventional robots, then the structure remains simple, but cable bending and interference occur during movement
Solution Approach 1:
Cables are nested within the arm structure by routing them through through holes that pass through the arm members. This nesting protects cables from external damage and prevents cable bending during robot movement, as the cables travel through the interior space of the arms rather than being exposed externally.
3Ease of repair
If the robot arm is designed without internal spaces, then manufacturing is simpler, but maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The through holes are incorporated into the arm design during the manufacturing stage, creating internal passages that facilitate future maintenance activities. This preliminary action of building in maintenance access paths makes subsequent repair and inspection work easier without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If external apparatuses are mounted on the robot surface, then the structure remains compact, but interference with workpieces occurs
Solution Approach 1:
External apparatuses are extracted from the outer surface of the arm and repositioned to be supported from the rear side through the through holes. This extraction removes the apparatuses from positions where they would interfere with workpieces during robot operations, while still maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a first arm rotatable around a first axis and a second arm having an extending direction. The first arm includes a first base and a first extending portion. The first base includes a first through hole passing through the first arm along the first axis. The first extending portion extends from the first base along the first axis. The second arm includes a second base and a second extending portion. The second base includes a connection portion connected to the first extending portion such that the second arm is rotatable around a second axis that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The second base includes a second through hole passing through the second arm along the extending direction. The second extending portion is provided opposite to the connection portion in the extending direction and extends from the second base along the extending direction.