Substrate Conveyor Robot Cable Layout to Prevent Wire Kinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cable systems, such as those described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. JP H05-69381, face issues where cables deform into a J-shape, causing stress concentration and potential kinking or tearing of wires due to lack of space for curvature relief and inner wires pushing against outer wires.
Innovation Solution
A robot cable system with a tube-shaped part that covers wires with play, allowing curvature relief and aligning wires side by side to prevent kinking, where the tube-shaped part is made of thermally shrinkable materials like polyolefin and may include a braided wire shield and sheet-shaped parts for alignment and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cables are deformed into a J-shape as the rotating frame rotates, then the cableveyor can accommodate cable movement, but stress is concentratedly applied to the deformed part of the wire causing kinks and potential wire tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into multiple independent wires (e.g., 7 wires) instead of a single solid cable. This segmentation allows individual wires to deform independently within the sheath, distributing stress and preventing kink formation at any single location, thereby maintaining wire integrity during J-shape deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath is designed with specific local properties including play space (gap between sheath inner surface and wire outer surface) and controlled friction characteristics. This local quality modification allows wires to move freely within the sheath during deformation while preventing excessive friction that would cause kinking, thus protecting wire integrity
2Volume of moving object
If multiple wires are bundled tightly together in the cable, then the cable structure is compact, but inner-side wires push and expand outer-side wires during deformation causing kinks in outer wires
Solution Approach 1:
The cable consists of multiple discrete wires (e.g., 7 wires) arranged in a specific pattern rather than a single solid core. This segmentation allows each wire to maintain its own deformation path and prevents the pushing/expanding effect that occurs in tightly bundled cables, thereby preventing kinks in outer wires during J-shape deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The wires are pre-positioned within the sheath with predetermined spacing and orientation before deformation occurs. This preliminary arrangement ensures that during J-shape deformation, wires have predetermined paths that prevent them from pushing against each other, thus preventing kink formation in outer wires
3Volume of moving object
If wires are arranged without play in the sheath to maximize space utilization, then the cable is compact, but deformed wires have no space to move and relieve curvature causing stress concentration and kinks
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is designed with controlled play space (gap) between its inner surface and the outer surfaces of the wires. This local quality modification provides necessary movement space for wires during deformation while maintaining overall cable compactness, allowing wires to relieve curvature stress without kinking
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely filling the sheath with wires (100% space utilization), the design intentionally leaves partial space (play) between wires and sheath wall. This partial space provision is sufficient to allow wire movement and curvature relief during deformation, preventing kinks while maintaining acceptable cable compactness
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
Prevents wire kinking and tearing during deformation by providing space for curvature relief and maintaining wire alignment, reducing the risk of damage from deformation and positional deviation, thus enhancing the reliability and maintenance efficiency of robot cables.
Implementation Method 1
the tube-shaped part is made of thermally shrinkable materials like polyolefin
Data Source
AI summary
A substrate conveyor robot (100) according to this disclosure includes the robot cable (40) including a plurality of wires (41), and a tube-shaped part (42) that covers the plurality of wires (41) with play of the plurality of wires in the tube-shaped part. The plurality of wires (41) are aligned side by side in the tube-shaped part (42).