Robot Axis Servicing Interval Based on Movement Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the servicing requirements of industrial robot arm axes are inflexible, as they are based on absolute time or operating hours, regardless of the robot's usage patterns, leading to frequent and inefficient maintenance schedules.
Innovation Solution
A method that analyzes the movement sequence data of robot axes during working cycles to determine a servicing interval, considering the rotational movements and usage patterns, allowing for a more accurate and extended maintenance schedule that adapts to the robot's operational demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If servicing is scheduled based on absolute time or operating hours, then the maintenance schedule is simple to implement, but the servicing interval is too short and does not reflect actual usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual movement sequences of robot axes and feeds this data back to the servicing determination unit. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of servicing intervals based on real usage patterns, replacing static time-based scheduling with adaptive usage-based scheduling that accurately reflects actual wear conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system performs self-monitoring of its own axis movements and automatically determines its own servicing requirements. The evaluation unit analyzes the robot's operational data and generates servicing recommendations without external intervention, enabling the system to self-assess its maintenance needs based on actual usage intensity.
2Reliability
If servicing is performed frequently based on fixed intervals, then the reliability of the robot is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to unnecessary maintenance downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The servicing interval is transformed from a fixed static value to a dynamic value that adapts to actual usage conditions. The system continuously evaluates movement sequences and adjusts the recommended servicing interval accordingly, allowing the robot to operate longer between services during low-intensity periods while ensuring maintenance during high-intensity usage that accelerates wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter basis for servicing from absolute time to usage-based metrics such as total movement distance, number of working cycles, or intensity-weighted operational hours. This parameter transformation enables servicing intervals to expand or contract based on actual wear-inducing activities, optimizing both reliability and productivity.
3Productivity
If the servicing interval is extended based on actual usage analysis, then productivity is improved by reducing maintenance downtime, but the complexity of determining servicing requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual assessment methods with automated electronic evaluation. Sensors and controllers automatically track axis movements, working cycles, and operational parameters, substituting human judgment and manual logging with systematic electronic data collection and analysis that scales efficiently with robot usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit serves multiple functions: it monitors operational parameters for productivity analysis, assesses wear conditions for predictive maintenance, generates servicing recommendations, and potentially optimizes operational parameters. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method determines the servicing requirements of axes of a robot arm of an industrial robot. The data of a movement sequence of at least one axis during at least one working cycle of the industrial robot is made available. The rotational movements of the at least one axis are established on the basis of the data, and a servicing interval for the at least one axis is determined by an assessment of the rotational movements established. A system for determining a servicing requirement performs the method.