Robot Linear Object Handling Structure for Cable Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot linear object handling structures face challenges in efficiently managing and replacing linear objects, such as cables and hoses, due to complex configurations that require disassembly of essential driving components, leading to increased operational complexity and maintenance difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A linear object handling structure featuring a rotational drum with a hollow part near the vertical axis, where a first linear object group of driving cables is fixed to the base and penetrates through this hollow part, and a second linear object group for peripheral devices is collectively covered by flexible conduit pipes, allowing separate installation and replacement without disturbing the driving cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If linear objects are managed in a conventional integrated structure, then structural simplicity is maintained, but maintenance complexity increases and driving cables cannot be protected from damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the linear object management system into separate functional groups: driving cables (first linear object group) and peripheral device cables (second linear object group). Each group is routed through distinct pathways - driving cables through the hollow part of the rotational drum and peripheral cables through the space between the drum and base. This segmentation allows independent maintenance of each cable group without affecting the other, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the driving cables from the general linear object group and gives them a dedicated pathway through the hollow part of the rotational drum. This extraction protects the critical driving cables from damage during maintenance operations on peripheral device cables, while maintaining overall structural integrity. The driving cables are taken out from the mixed cable management system and given special protection.
2Ease of operation
If driving cables are exposed during maintenance, then accessibility is improved, but risk of cable damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the driving cables are routed through the hollow part of the rotational drum, which itself is nested within the overall robot structure. The peripheral device cables are routed through the space between the rotational drum and the base. This nested arrangement ensures that driving cables remain protected within the drum's hollow core during any maintenance operations on peripheral cables, maintaining both accessibility and cable integrity simultaneously.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple linear objects are managed together, then component count is reduced, but friction and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the linear object management into two distinct spatial zones: the hollow part of the rotational drum for driving cables and the annular space between drum and base for peripheral cables. This segmentation reduces friction by preventing cable entanglement and simplifies operations by allowing independent routing and maintenance of each cable group, thereby reducing operational complexity despite managing multiple linear objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear object handling structure of a robot includes a rotational drum supported above a base in a rotatable manner about a vertical axis line, a plurality of operation shafts supported by the rotational drum, and a hollow part near the vertical axis line in the rotational drum. A first linear object group including cables for driving the operation shafts has one end fixed to the base and the other end wired to the motors of the operation shafts supported by the rotational drum, and is disposed to penetrate through the hollow part. A second linear object group for a peripheral device supported by any one of the operation shafts is collectively covered by a flexible conduit pipe, disposed to penetrate through the hollow part, and detachably fixed to the base and the rotational drum.