Robot Control Panel with Dual Device Holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot control systems lack ergonomic improvements for manual control and programming, particularly in accommodating portable hand-held devices and tablet computers for efficient and safe operation.

Innovation Solution

A robot control panel with a first holder for a portable hand-held robot operating device and a second holder for a tablet computer, along with a communication device that connects these devices to a robot controller, enabling secure and flexible control through form-fitting attachment and wireless communication, allowing continued operation even when the devices are removed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robot control panel accommodates only a hand-held device, then the control structure is simple, but the versatility and ergonomic options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice accommodation versatilityVSAvoidcontrol panel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot control panel is designed with multiple holders that can accommodate different types of devices (hand-held robot operating devices and tablet computers), allowing a single control panel to serve multiple functions and support various operating modes without requiring separate dedicated control stations for each device type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel is divided into multiple independent holders (first holder for hand-held devices, second holder for tablet computers) that can independently accommodate different devices, enabling flexible configuration and reducing the need for a monolithic complex control structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the robot operating device is removed from the control panel, then the operator has mobility freedom, but the communication connection may be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator mobilityVSAvoidcommunication connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device maintains continuous communication connection between the robot controller and the hand-held operating device even when the device is removed from the holder, ensuring that control signals and feedback can be transmitted without interruption throughout the operator's movement range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The holder serves as an intermediary mechanical interface that provides a default physical connection point, while the communication device acts as an intermediary that ensures continuous data transmission regardless of whether the physical connection is maintained, bridging the gap between mechanical attachment and functional connectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3558602B1Robot control panel with an additional holder for a tablet computer
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 KUKA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3558602B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3558602B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3558602B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a robot control console (1) comprising: a first holder (2.1) which is designed to interlockingly receive a robot hand-held operating device (3) which can be removed from the robot control console (1) and which can be carried separately; a second holder (2.2) which is different from the first holder (2.1) and which is designed to interlockingly receive a tablet computer (36) which can be removed from the robot control console (1) and which can be carried separately; and a communication device (6) which is designed to connect, for control purposes, a hand-held operating device controller (7) of the robot hand-held operating device (3) and a tablet computer controller (36.1) of the tablet computer (36) to a robot controller (8).