Robot Manipulator Brake Release Through Housing for Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brake release mechanisms in robot manipulators require an external power source and can be unsafe when power is interrupted, necessitating manual disassembly for brake release, which is time-consuming and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A brake release device is integrated into the robot manipulator's housing with a part exposed externally, allowing operators to apply a force to drive the brake element synchronously, enabling immediate brake release without power and without removing the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the brake is released through excitation using an external power source, then the robot manipulator can operate smoothly, but when power is interrupted, the brake cannot be released immediately and requires manual disassembly which is time-consuming and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The brake release device is segmented into two parts: a first part located inside the housing that connects to the brake element, and a second part extending outside the housing that can be operated manually. This segmentation allows the brake to be released from the outside without disassembling the housing, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake release device acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits force from the external operating part through the housing to the brake element inside. This intermediary structure enables safe and reliable brake release from the outside without requiring power or disassembly of the housing.
2Strength
If the brake release device is completely enclosed within the housing, then the structure is compact and protected, but the operator cannot access it to release the brake without removing the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The brake release device is divided such that the first part remains inside the housing to maintain structural integrity, while the second part extends outside through an opening to provide accessibility. This segmentation allows both housing strength and operational accessibility to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake release device extends from the internal space into the external space through an opening in the housing, utilizing the third dimension (spatial extension) to resolve the contradiction between enclosed protection and external accessibility.
3Reliability
If manual disassembly is required to release the brake during power interruption, then the brake can be released, but it takes a lot of time and poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The brake release device is pre-configured with a second part extending outside the housing during normal operation, so that in case of power interruption, the brake can be immediately released from the outside without any disassembly or preliminary actions, thus eliminating time loss and safety risks.
Data Source
AI summary
A brake release device and a robot manipulator employing the same are provided. The robot manipulator includes a housing and a brake element. The housing defines an inner space and has an opening, and the inner space is in communication with a space outside the housing through the opening. The brake element is disposed within the inner space. The robot manipulator stops or is allowed to actuate according to a position of the brake element. The brake release device is connected with the brake element. The brake release device is partially located in the inner space, and the brake release device partially penetrates through the opening and is exposed from the housing. When the part of the brake release device exposed from the housing is moved by an external force so as to drive the brake element to move synchronously, the robot manipulator is allowed to actuate.