Dual Brake Circuit for Robot Rotary Axis Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary axis modules in robots lack a reliable and quick mechanism to release the braking state of motors during power failures, leading to inconvenient orientations and potential safety hazards, especially in collaborative robots where objects may be caught between arms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dual brake circuit system with a momentary-type push button switch and a DC power source, allowing for manual release of the braking state by applying DC voltage to the brake, ensuring quick and controlled orientation recovery after power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single brake circuit connected to the control device is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of brake release during power failure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The brake circuit is divided into two independent parallel circuits: a first brake circuit connected to the control device for normal operation, and a second brake circuit connected to a DC power source for emergency power failure situations. This segmentation allows each circuit to independently handle specific scenarios, improving overall reliability without requiring a single complex circuit to handle all cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameter from a single control device output to two different power sources (control device and DC power source). This parameter change ensures that when one power source fails (control device during power failure), the other (DC power source) can take over to release the brake, maintaining system reliability.
2Speed
If the brake release mechanism is simplified, then the ease of operation is improved, but the speed of brake release during power failure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A momentary-type push button switch is installed in easily accessible locations (control panel and/or near the actuator), allowing operators to quickly activate the second brake circuit and release the brake during power failures. The switch is positioned and designed for immediate operation, reducing response time without requiring complex procedures.
3Reliability
If the push button switch is made easily accessible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push button switch system is segmented into multiple installation locations: a first push button switch on the control panel and a second push button switch near the actuator. This segmentation allows the system to provide easy access from different positions while distributing the risk, as accidental activation at one location can be monitored or compensated by the other location.
Solution Approach 2:
The momentary-type push button switch design acts as an intermediary that requires deliberate human action (pressing and releasing) to activate. This mechanical intermediary provides tactile feedback and requires intentional operation, reducing accidental activation while maintaining ease of deliberate operation. The switch is designed to return to its default state automatically after pressing.
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 rapid and controlled release of braking states in robots, preventing accidents and facilitating safe reorientation of the robot by allowing individual axis control and reducing the risk of accidental switch activation.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a brake that is releasable by supplying a DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary axis module includes an actuator that includes a first member and a second member, the actuator relatively driving the second member so as to rotate about a predetermined axis with respect to the first member, a DC power source, and a switch. The actuator includes a brake that is releasable by supplying a DC voltage. A first brake circuit that is connected to a control device that controls the actuator, and a second brake circuit that is provided in parallel with the first brake circuit and connected to the DC power source via the switch, are connected to the brake.