Robot Cable Segmentation for Selective Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robots with continuous cables for power supply to end effectors face maintainability issues, as partial damage requires replacement of the entire cable, leading to inefficiencies in maintenance and manufacturing time.
Innovation Solution
The robot is designed with a cable composed of multiple sub-cables connected via coupling modules along the robot body, allowing for selective replacement of damaged sub-cables, improving maintainability and reducing manufacturing time by pre-selecting cable types and modules based on end effector specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a continuous cable is used for power supply to the end effector, then the cable arrangement is simple and continuous, but the maintainability deteriorates because the whole cable must be replaced even when only partially damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple sub-cables that can be independently replaced. Each sub-cable runs from the base along the robot body to the end effector, allowing selective replacement of damaged segments while maintaining the overall cable system structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a continuous cable is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the manufacturing time increases due to the need to replace entire cables and lack of pre-selection options
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-cables are prepared in advance before robot assembly. The cable selection unit can pre-select appropriate sub-cables based on end effector specifications, and the coupling unit can pre-configure connection arrangements, reducing on-site manufacturing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system is segmented into multiple replaceable sub-cables, allowing partial replacement rather than complete cable replacement, which reduces manufacturing time when cable modifications are needed.
3Ease of repair
If multiple sub-cables with coupling portions are used, then the maintainability improves by allowing selective replacement, but the device complexity increases due to additional coupling components
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is segmented into multiple sub-cables connected by coupling portions. Each sub-cable can be independently maintained or replaced, improving ease of repair while the coupling portions provide standardized connection points that manage the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portions serve multiple functions: connecting sub-cables, allowing selective replacement, and providing connection points for different cable configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each function.
4Productivity
If cable types are pre-selected based on end effector specifications, then the customization efficiency improves, but the inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-cables of different types are prepared in advance and stored in the cable storage unit. The cable selection unit can quickly select the appropriate sub-cable type based on end effector specifications, improving customization efficiency while maintaining organized inventory.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A robot (1) in an embodiment includes a robot body (2), an end effector (3), a cable (20), and one or more coupling portions (31 to 34, 21a to 27a, 22b to 27b). The end effector (3) is connected to the robot body (2). The cable (20) is composed of a plurality of sub cables (21 to 27), arranged along the robot body (2), and connected to the end effector (3). Each of the coupling portion (31 to 34, 21a to 27a, 22b to 27b) is provided between one sub cable and an adjacent sub cable of the sub cables (21 to 27) to couple the one and adjacent sub cables (21 to 27) together.