Robot End-Effector Controller for Precise 3D Motion Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robot controllers using Force/Torque sensors and admittance control struggle to accurately deliver user-intended path information and desired robot positions due to cross-axis force interactions, leading to ambiguous and inaccurate robot motion guidance.

Innovation Solution

A robot controller with a rotating disk and dual control interfaces that interpret combined control inputs to determine translational and rotational motions in 3D space, utilizing impedance control to restrict unwanted motions and provide precise control signals to the robot end portion, enabling intuitive and accurate user input recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If Force/Torque sensor and admittance control are used for robot path determination, then the robot can respond to user applied forces, but cross-axis force interactions cause inaccurate path information delivery and ambiguous robot motion guidance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-intended path information deliveryVSAvoidrobot position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is segmented into two independent parts: a rotating disk for direction control and a control panel for force input. This segmentation allows independent control of motion direction and force magnitude, preventing cross-axis interference and enabling accurate delivery of user-intended path information to the robot.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional F/T sensor-based control is used, then the system can detect applied forces, but it cannot naturally deliver desired robot positions to the existing robot path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce detection capabilityVSAvoiddesired position delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating disk acts as an intermediary device between the user and the robot control system. It translates user's desired motion direction into a rotational position that the control panel can interpret, enabling natural delivery of desired robot positions without directly manipulating complex force vectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If dual control interfaces on a rotating disk are implemented, then accurate interpretation of user intention is achieved through impedance control, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser intention recognition accuracyVSAvoidcontrol interface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating disk serves multiple functions: it determines the direction of the first control input, provides rotational position information for path determination, and enables impedance control for accurate user intention recognition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high precision.

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

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

The solution allows for clear delivery of user intentions, resulting in accurate robot motion trajectories and improved user convenience by precisely controlling the robot end portion's motion in a multi-degree-of-freedom environment.

Implementation Method 1

an encoder which interprets the combination of the first and second control inputs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational position detection:

Implementation Method 2

a translational motion in a direction other than the input direction is restricted by impedance control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance control:

Data Source

PatentEP3473386B1Controller for end portion control of multi-degree-of-freedom robot, method for controlling multi-degree-of-freedom robot by using controller, and robot operated thereby
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 NEUROMEKA
  • EP3473386B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3473386B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3473386B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

One aspect of the present invention provides a robot controller for end portion control of a multi-degree-of- freedom robot. The robot controller comprises: a first control interface, which is positioned at a first position around the robot end portion and receives a first control input for at least for directions; a second control interface, which is positioned at a second position around the robot end portion and receives a second control input for at least four directions; and an encoder, which interprets the combination of the first and second control inputs as a third control input about the robot end portion and provides the robot with a signal according to the third control input.