Robot Arm Vibration Control via Inertial Sensor Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot systems with multiple joints struggle to accurately determine which joint is causing end effector vibration, making effective vibration control challenging.

Innovation Solution

A robot system equipped with a robot arm having multiple joints and an inertial sensor positioned on an arm connecting the distal end side joint and a joint further distal, which detects angular velocity and acceleration orthogonal to the arm's central axis and parallel to the joint rotation axes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an acceleration sensor is disposed at the end effector to detect vibration, then vibration detection is enabled, but it is not possible to determine which joint is causing the vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration detection capabilityVSAvoidjoint vibration source identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the vibration detection function into multiple segments by placing acceleration sensors at multiple locations (end effector and intermediate joints). This segmentation allows the system to detect vibrations at different positions and identify which specific joint is the vibration source, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate acceleration sensors as mediators between the joint actuators and the end effector. These intermediate sensors act as information bridges that transmit vibration characteristics from each joint to the control system, enabling identification of vibration sources without requiring direct measurement at the end effector alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If multiple acceleration sensors are disposed at different locations to identify vibration sources, then joint vibration source identification is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint vibration source identificationVSAvoidsensor distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes each acceleration sensor multi-functional by programming it to detect vibrations from multiple joints simultaneously. The sensors at different locations serve dual purposes: detecting local vibrations and providing reference data for identifying vibration sources across the entire arm, reducing the need for additional specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where acceleration sensors continuously monitor vibrations and feed this information back to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to identify vibration sources and adjust actuator commands accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that manages complexity through intelligent processing rather than merely adding more sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise detection of vibration amounts at specific joints, allowing for effective vibration control and reduction in robot arm vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

the inertial sensor detects an angular velocity around an axis parallel to the rotation axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial measurement: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

an acceleration in a direction orthogonal to a central axis of the arm on which the inertial sensor is disposed and orthogonal to the rotation axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial measurement: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS20250170725A1Robot system
Publication Date: 2025.05.29 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US20250170725A1 patent drawing
  • US20250170725A1 patent drawing
  • US20250170725A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A robot system includes: a robot including a robot arm that includes a plurality of arms and a plurality of joints, the plurality of joints including a proximal end side joint and a distal end side joint positioned on a distal end side of the proximal end side joint, and the proximal end side joint and the distal end side joint having rotation axes parallel to each other; and an inertial sensor disposed on an arm that connects the distal end side joint and a joint positioned at a position distal to the distal end side joint, in which the inertial sensor detects an angular velocity around an axis parallel to the rotation axes, and an acceleration in a direction orthogonal to a central axis of the arm on which the inertial sensor is disposed and orthogonal to the rotation axes.