Robot Control Device Vent Passage Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot control devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for large heat radiating surfaces and cooling systems, which hinder efficient cooling and increase the device's size, while existing cooling techniques either focus on specific areas or enlarge the casing, making it difficult to reduce the device's size effectively.
Innovation Solution
A robot control device design featuring a casing with a vent passage defined by the drive-control board, main control board, and main power supply board, with a cooling fan that enhances airflow through the passage, allowing heat-generating surfaces to be exposed to increased airflow for efficient cooling without enlarging the casing, and a holding member to secure the actuator driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a large heat radiating surface area is provided in the casing, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the size of the robot control device becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The vent passage is formed by utilizing the spaces between existing components (drive-control board, main control board, main power supply board) within the casing, merging the cooling function with the existing component layout rather than adding separate cooling structures. This allows effective heat dissipation without increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent passage extends in the thickness direction of the casing, utilizing the vertical space between stacked circuit boards. By creating a three-dimensional cooling pathway through the casing thickness rather than only on surface level, the design achieves efficient heat dissipation within the existing footprint.
2Temperature
If a large-sized fan is provided to forcibly cool the interior, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the size of the robot control device becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan is positioned specifically at the vent passage opening to target the heat dissipation path directly. This localized cooling approach focuses airflow where it is most needed (through the vent passage formed by circuit boards) rather than using a large fan to cool the entire casing volume, reducing the required fan size.
3Temperature
If cooling duct is provided independently, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the size of the robot control device becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The vent passage serves dual purposes: it acts as both the mounting structure for the actuator driver (via the holding member) and as the cooling air passage. By merging the structural support function and the thermal management function into the same space, the design eliminates the need for separate cooling ducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The space between circuit boards is utilized for multiple functions: providing structural support for mounting the actuator driver and simultaneously serving as an air passage for heat dissipation. This multi-functional use of space achieves effective cooling without requiring dedicated cooling structures that would increase device size.
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
This design improves cooling efficiency by reducing flow resistance and ensuring that heat-generating components are exposed to increased airflow, effectively cooling the device without the need for a large cooling fan or separate cooling duct, thus reducing the device's size while maintaining efficient heat exchange.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan that is arranged at an end of the vent passage and causes the air to flow through the vent passage
Implementation Method 2
This design improves cooling efficiency by reducing flow resistance and ensuring that heat-generating components are exposed to increased airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A robot control device that controls operation of a robot having an actuator includes a casing, an actuator driver, a drive-control board, a main control board, a main power supply board, a vent passage, a cooling fan, and a holding member.