Robot Cable Segmentation for Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintainability of cables in existing robots is compromised due to excessive stress, particularly at the end effector and robot arm connections, leading to frequent damage and cumbersome replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
The robot design incorporates a terminal connection method between the end-effector side cable and the robot-side cable at a position closer to the end effector than the attaching portion, using a room-temperature shrink tube to cover the connection, reducing stress and weight, and allowing for easier replacement of damaged cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are arranged along the robot arm to supply power to the end effector, then the end effector can receive power and control signals, but the cables are subjected to excessive stress during robot operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is divided into multiple segments: robot-side cables arranged along the robot arm, and end-effector-side cables extending from the end effector. These segments are connected via terminal connection at an intermediate position, allowing each segment to bear less stress independently during robot operation
Solution Approach 2:
A terminal connection structure acts as an intermediary between the robot-side cable and end-effector-side cable. This intermediary connection point is positioned closer to the end effector than the attaching portion, serving as a stress relief point that prevents excessive stress from being transmitted to either cable segment
2Ease of repair
If cables are connected directly at the attaching portion, then the connection is structurally integrated, but cable replacement becomes cumbersome when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into replaceable modules. When a cable is damaged, only the affected segment (robot-side cable or end-effector-side cable) needs to be replaced, rather than replacing the entire cable assembly. This modular segmentation simplifies maintenance while managing structural complexity through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal connection design allows damaged cable segments to be easily disconnected and replaced. The connection structure enables quick disconnection of the end-effector-side cable from the robot-side cable, allowing damaged portions to be discarded and new portions to be installed without replacing the entire cable system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A robot (1) according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a robot arm (2), an attaching portion (33), an end effector (3), an end-effector-side cable (9), and a robot-side cable (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46). The attaching portion (33) is provided on a leading end of the robot arm (2). The end effector (3) is attached to the attaching portion (33). The end-effector-side cable (9) extends from the end effector (3). The robot-side cable (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) is arranged along the robot arm (2) and is connected to the end-effector-side cable (9) by terminal connection at a position closer to the end effector (3) than the attaching portion (33).