Robot Base Oil Pan Layout for Recovering Transported Oil Droplets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport systems using robots face inefficiencies in recovering oil that adheres to transported objects, leading to oil droppage during transport.

Innovation Solution

A transport system incorporating a robot base with an oil pan surrounding the robot base, featuring an oil receiving portion in the form of a tray to collect and recover oil droplets from transported objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a robot transports an object, then the object can be moved from one location to another, but oil adhering to the object drops along with transport and creates recovery difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidoil loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an oil pan as an intermediary component between the robot base and the floor. This oil pan collects and contains the oil that drops during robot operation, preventing it from spreading on the floor and making recovery easier. The oil pan acts as a mediator that intercepts the harmful substance (oil) before it causes problems, allowing for efficient collection and reuse of the lubricant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If oil is recovered using conventional methods, then some oil can be collected, but the recovery process is inefficient and oil continues to drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil recovery efficiencyVSAvoidrecovery energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service oil recovery through the oil pan's passive collection mechanism. As the robot operates and oil naturally drops during transport and machining operations, the oil pan automatically collects it without requiring active intervention, pumps, or complex recovery systems. This self-service approach minimizes energy consumption while maximizing recovery efficiency, as the system uses the natural gravity-driven flow of oil into the pan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4696471A1Conveyance system
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 DMG MORI CO LTD
  • EP4696471A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696471A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4696471A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transport system includes a robot (21) that transports an object, a robot base (22) that supports the robot (21), and an oil pan (810) provided to surround the robot base (22) as viewed from above. The robot base (22) includes an oil receiving portion (871) that has a tray shape and receives oil from the oil pan (810).