Robot Arm Teaching Handle for Precise Offline Programming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot arms require manual guidance and programming, which can be cumbersome due to the need for precise control over inertia and weight compensation, limiting the accuracy and efficiency of offline programming processes.

Innovation Solution

A robot arm design featuring actuator-driven joint connections and ergonomic input elements, such as protrusions and input elements accessible by the thumb, allowing for precise and comfortable manual operation, including rotatable and detachable input ends with light and tactile feedback, to enhance the accuracy of offline programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual guidance and programming of robot arm is performed, then the robot arm can be programmed for offline operation, but the process becomes cumbersome due to the need for precise control over inertia and weight compensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffline programming capabilityVSAvoidmanual guidance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A teaching device with a protrusion is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the robot arm. The protrusion fits into a receiving element on the teaching unit, creating a mechanical interface that simplifies the transmission of guidance forces while maintaining precise control over the robot arm's movements during offline programming

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct manual manipulation of complex control elements with a simplified mechanical interface. The protrusion-receiving element mechanism substitutes for direct control of inertia and weight compensation parameters, allowing operators to guide the robot arm through movements without needing to precisely control complex mechanical parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If control elements and indicator elements are added to the robot arm for offline programming, then programming control and status indication are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of control and indicator elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines control elements and indicator elements into an integrated teaching device that attaches to the robot arm. Rather than adding separate distributed controls, the teaching unit merges multiple functions (guidance, control input, status indication) into a single integrated interface, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full programming control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The teaching device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance interface, houses control elements for programming, and includes indicator elements for status display. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11135715B2Robot arm

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 KASTANIENBAUM

AI summary

A robot arm permitting a more sensitive and precise operation in the offline programming of a robot having a robot arm with a number of arm components, which can be connected to a robot body via a number of actuator-drivable joint connections.