Robot Control Console Holder with Sensor Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot control systems lack ergonomic design and efficient manual control and programming capabilities for hand-held robot operating devices, leading to potential confusion and inefficiencies in robot operation.

Innovation Solution

A robot control panel with a holder that securely receives and identifies a portable hand-held device using latching mechanisms and sensors, allowing for automatic connection to a specific robot controller, and includes an electrical charging system for wireless operation, ensuring clear orientation and communication between the device and controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the robot operator handheld device is made separately portable and removable, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but connection reliability and communication stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate components: a portable robot operator handheld device and a robot control panel, allowing the handheld device to be removed and carried independently while maintaining connection capability through standardized interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is pre-configured with locking means and the handheld device is pre-equipped with corresponding counter-locking means, ensuring that when the device is inserted, the connection is automatically secured without requiring additional actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple handheld devices can be connected to the control panel, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device identification and assignment complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device supportVSAvoididentification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A sensor detects when a handheld device is inserted into the holder and provides feedback to the control unit, which then automatically establishes communication and assigns the device to the appropriate robot controller based on device identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies and assigns handheld devices to robot controllers without requiring manual configuration, with the control unit handling device registration and communication setup autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the handheld device is securely locked in fixed orientations, then ease of operation and ergonomics are improved, but device removal flexibility worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidremoval flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from unlocked to locked state dynamically: the handheld device can be freely inserted and removed, but when inserted, automatic locking engages to secure it in the correct orientation for operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If automatic connection and identification systems are implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder integrates multiple functions into a single component: mechanical locking, sensor detection, and communication interface, all within the holder structure that receives and secures the handheld device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking means, sensor, and communication device are combined in an integrated system where the holder not only secures the handheld device mechanically but also enables automatic identification and communication establishment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3558601B1Robot control console
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 KUKA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3558601B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3558601B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3558601B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a robot control console (1), having: a holder (2), which is designed to interlockingly hold a robot operating hand-held device (3), which can be removed from the robot control console (1) and which can be carried separately; a sensor (24), which is designed to identify an individual robot operating hand-held device (3) inserted into the robot control console (1); and a communication device (6), which is designed to connect, with respect to control, an operating hand-held device controller (7) of the inserted robot operating hand-held device (3) to a robot controller (8) associated with the individual robot operating hand-held device (3) in accordance with the individual robot operating hand-held device (3) identified by the sensor (24).