Robot Base with Selective Cable Connection Ports

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot designs lack flexibility in cable connection options, limiting user convenience and requiring separate bases for different applications, which increases manufacturing costs and reduces adaptability.

Innovation Solution

The robot design incorporates a base with dual cable connection options, allowing the control cable to be connected either at the lower end or the side surface, using a connector plate and lid portion that can be selectively attached to either opening, enabling flexible installation based on application needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single connection spot is provided on the base, then the structure is simple, but user convenience and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed with multiple opening portions (first opening portion and second opening portion) that can both serve as connection points for the control cable. This multi-functional design allows the same base structure to accommodate different connection configurations based on application requirements, improving user convenience without requiring multiple specialized bases.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure is segmented into multiple independent opening portions, each capable of receiving either a connector plate or a lid portion. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where the control cable can be connected through different openings depending on the specific application, enhancing adaptability while maintaining a unified base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bases are manufactured for different applications, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single base design incorporates multiple opening portions that can serve different connection purposes, eliminating the need to manufacture separate bases for different applications. The same base can be used across various applications by simply changing which opening is used for connection, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high adaptability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The base design allows dynamic configuration of connection points through the selective use of different opening portions. Rather than creating static specialized bases for each application, the system provides a dynamic, reconfigurable connection structure that adapts to different applications using a unified base design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If connection is fixed at one location, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility in installation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidbase structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure is divided into multiple opening portions positioned at different locations, each capable of independent use for connection purposes. This segmentation provides installation flexibility allowing the control cable to be connected at the most convenient location depending on the specific application, while the overall base structure remains unified and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2732927B1Robot
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP2732927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2732927B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2732927B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A robot (100) includes a base (101) and a robot main body (102). The base (101) is installed at an installation spot of the robot (100). The robot main body (102) is arranged on the base (101) and includes a torso portion (110), a shoulder portion (121L, 121R), an upper arm A portion (122L, 122R), an upper arm B portion (123L, 123R), a lower arm portion (124L, 124R), a wrist A portion (131L, 131R), a wrist B portion (132L, 132R), and a flange portion (133L, 133R) driven by a plurality of actuators (Ac1L - Ac7L, Ac1R - Ac7R). The base (101) includes a housing (101a) into which a control cable (3) drawn from the plurality of actuators (Ac1L-Ac7L, Ac1R - Ac7R) is introduced, and an opening portion (10a) provided on a lower surface of the housing (101a), and an opening portion (10b) provided on a side surface of the housing (101b). The opening portion (10a) is configured capable of selectively attaching/detaching either one of a connector plate (11a) including a connector to which a tip end portion of the control cable (3) can be attached and a lid portion (12a) not including the connector. The opening portion (10b) is configured capable of selectively attaching/detaching either one of a connector plate (11b) including a connector to which a tip end portion of the control cable (3) can be attached and a lid portion (12b) not including the connector.