Robot Cable Guide With Elastic Retraction and Variable-Length Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable guide devices for robots with multiple degrees of freedom are complex and space-consuming, particularly when incorporating retraction systems to manage excess cable length during dynamic movements.
Innovation Solution
A cable guide device with a variable-length section incorporating an elastic return element, allowing for extension and retraction while maintaining a compact design, by combining permitted relative rotation of links with longitudinal adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retraction system with a longitudinally displaceable deflection pulley is used to manage excess cable length, then cable routing reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retraction function from a complex pulley-based system and implements it through a simplified resilient rod mechanism integrated directly into the cable guide device. The resilient rod provides the necessary retraction force without requiring external deflection pulleys or complex displacement mechanisms, thereby maintaining cable routing reliability while significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient rod acts as an intermediary element that provides retraction force directly within the cable guide device structure. Instead of using a complex external pulley system, the resilient rod mediates the retraction function by being resilient about its longitudinal axis and extending longitudinally within the receiving space, generating counteracting restoring forces when chain links are pivoted
2Device complexity
If a resilient rod is used for retraction within the receiving space, then device complexity is reduced, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient rod is nested within the existing receiving space of the cable guide device, utilizing the available internal volume efficiently. The rod extends longitudinally within the receiving space formed by the chain links, nesting the retraction mechanism inside the existing structure rather than requiring additional external space
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable guide device length is increased to cover greatest distance and angle of rotation, then adaptability is improved, but uncontrolled movements occur due to excess length
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient rod provides continuous feedback through its elastic properties, generating restoring forces that automatically counteract excess cable length and prevent uncontrolled movements. When the cable guide device extends beyond the required length, the resilient rod's elasticity creates a counteracting force that pulls the system back toward its equilibrium position, maintaining stability while preserving adaptability
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
The solution enables a simple, compact, and lightweight retraction functionality, effectively managing cable length without compromising the freedom of movement of the robot, while ensuring reliable cable routing and stress reduction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic return element arranged to exert a restoring force on the variable-length section, counteracting extension
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a line guiding device (10) for guiding lines (60) such as cables, hoses or the like, in particular on an industrial robot (1). The line guiding device (10) comprises members which are connected in an articulated manner by a spatially deflectable articulated connection. According to the invention, the line guiding device has a variable-length section (11) which comprises a number of members (200A, 200B; 700A, 700B) that are connected to one another in a longitudinally adjustable manner, wherein an elastically longitudinally extensible restoring element (300) exerts, on the variable-length section (11), a restoring force which counteracts an elongation of the variable-length section (11). The members (200A, 200B; 700A, 700B) are in particular connected or couplable in such a manner that a longitudinal adjustment of two members (200A, 200B; 700A, 700B) with respect to one another causes their relative rotation (R1, R2).