Wireless Power Transfer in Robot Arms for Unrestricted Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrodynamic apparatuses, such as robot hands, face restrictions in the range of motion due to the presence of cables for power transmission, which can interfere with objects and lead to cable deterioration or breakage, requiring frequent maintenance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of wireless power transmission using power transmission and reception antennas between the arms and support structures, eliminating the need for physical cables and allowing for greater flexibility and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cables are used for power transmission in movable parts, then electric power can be supplied to rotating mechanisms and end effectors, but the range of motion of the end effector is restricted and cables are prone to deterioration or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable durabilityVSAvoidrange of motion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes cables from movable parts by implementing wireless power transmission between the base and end effector. Power transmission antennas are installed in the base and end effector respectively, eliminating the need for physical cable connections in rotating joints and movable components, thereby resolving the contradiction between cable durability and range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power transmission system with an electromagnetic wireless power transmission system. By using power transmission antennas that emit electromagnetic waves to supply power wirelessly to moving components, the system eliminates mechanical constraints while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If cables are present in movable parts, then power can be transmitted to rotating mechanisms, but cables interfere with objects and require frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidmaintenance frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts cables from the system by implementing wireless power transmission. Power transmission antennas are installed in the base and end effector, allowing power to be transmitted wirelessly to rotating mechanisms and movable parts, thereby eliminating cable interference with objects and the need for frequent maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical cable-based power transmission with an electromagnetic wireless power transmission system. This replacement eliminates the maintenance issues associated with cables in movable parts while ensuring continuous and reliable power supply to rotating mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless power transmission is implemented, then range of motion is enhanced and maintenance is reduced, but power transmission efficiency may be affected by distance and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of motionVSAvoidpower transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces power reception antennas in rotating mechanisms and movable parts as intermediaries to receive wireless power transmission. These antennas are strategically positioned to maintain optimal reception despite movement, ensuring efficient power transmission while preserving full range of motion capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances the range of motion for end effectors by removing cable-related restrictions and reducing the frequency of maintenance, as power is transmitted wirelessly, preventing cable deterioration and breakage.

Implementation Method 1

wireless power transmission via the power transmission antenna and the power reception antenna is performed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless power transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3208055B1Electrodynamic apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3208055B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3208055B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3208055B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An electrodynamic apparatus includes a first arm extending in a first direction, a second arm supported by the first arm, and a first linear actuator that is provided in the first arm or the second arm and moves the second arm along the first direction with respect to the first arm. The first arm includes a first power transmission antenna. The second arm includes a first power reception antenna. The first power transmission antenna supplies electric power to the first power reception antenna wirelessly. The first power reception antenna supplies the supplied electric power to a load electrically connected to the first power reception antenna.