Robot Channel Structure for Fluid Line Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mechanical stress on fluid lines in robots used for coating objects, particularly in paint shops, leads to leakage and difficulty in replacing defective lines due to cramped spatial conditions and movement-induced mechanical loads.
Innovation Solution
A channel structure designed as a separate component with a guiding structure for fluid lines, providing a motion-secured guide to prevent movement relative to the robot part, and incorporating a supporting structure with a frame construction and reinforcement elements for stability, potentially produced using additive manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluid lines are routed loosely as bundles through the robot's operating space, then installation and routing flexibility is improved, but mechanical stress and leakage risk increase due to robot movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible ducts with integrated holding elements that can adapt to robot movements while maintaining fluid line stability. The duct structure combines flexibility for installation with rigid guiding sections that prevent excessive movement of fluid lines during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate holding elements and guiding structures within the duct system that act as mediators between the flexible duct and the fluid lines. These elements secure the fluid lines against the duct wall, preventing direct stress transmission while maintaining routing flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operating units are mounted near or within the robot arm section, then space utilization is improved, but access for maintenance and replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the robot arm structure into modular sections with defined operating spaces. The duct system is designed as a separate, removable component that can be accessed independently, allowing maintenance personnel to reach fluid lines and operating units without disassembling the entire robot arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the duct system containing fluid lines and operating units as a separate, accessible component from the main robot arm structure. This allows the duct to be removed or opened for maintenance while the robot arm remains assembled, improving accessibility without sacrificing space utilization.
3Reliability
If a rigid channel structure is used to guide fluid lines, then movement-induced stress is reduced, but adaptability to different routing configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic duct design that can adapt its configuration. The duct includes flexible sections for routing adaptation and rigid guiding sections for stress reduction. This dynamic structure allows the same duct to provide both stability during operation and adaptability during installation or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the duct system. Rigid sections with integrated holding elements are placed where fluid lines require stable guidance, while flexible sections are used where routing adaptability is needed. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A channel structure for use in a robot (16) for coating objects is described. The robot component (46) has an operating chamber (32) through which fluid lines (34) are routed, conveying various media (38) to an application device (18) carried by the robot (16). The channel structure (46) is designed as a separate component and comprises a guide structure (48) for one or more fluid lines (34) and/or a conduit structure (50) for media (38) carried in one or more fluid lines (34). A robot with such a channel structure (46) is also described.