Robot Cover Attachment Structure Using Nested Elastic Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot cover attachment structures expose fastening members, leading to projection and recess formation, which can harbor medical fluids and promote bacterial growth, especially in environments requiring germicidal treatment.

Innovation Solution

A cover attachment structure using a cylindrical first and second component with an elastic ring component, where the components engage internally to secure the cover without exposing fastening members, ensuring a tight seal and preventing bacterial growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a bolt is used to attach the cover to the robot component, then the cover can be securely fastened, but the bolt becomes exposed from the surface creating projections and recesses that harbor medical fluids and promote bacterial growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidbacterial growth

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening mechanism is nested within the cover structure. The first component (attached to robot) and second component (attached to cover) engage through the third component (elastic element) on the inner side of the cover, so the entire fastening system is concealed within the cover thickness, preventing exposure of fastening members while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening function is extracted from the outer surface and relocated to the inner surface of the cover. By positioning the engagement mechanism on the inner side of the cover, the harmful exposure of fastening members on the outer surface is eliminated, while the attachment strength is preserved through the elastic component's pulling force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If projection and recess are formed around exposed bolts, then fastening is achieved, but medical fluid or water easily remains at these areas and bacterial growth is promoted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening capabilityVSAvoidfluid accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of exposing the fastening mechanism on the outer surface for easy access, the design inverts the approach by placing the engagement mechanism on the inner surface of the cover. This inversion eliminates the creation of projections and recesses on the outer surface, preventing fluid accumulation while maintaining fastening capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a simple bolt attachment is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cover can be easily removed without proper sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment structureVSAvoidsealing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic component's material properties are optimized to provide both sealing and fastening functions. By selecting appropriate elastic materials and configuring the component's geometric parameters (thickness, diameter, hardness), the system achieves reliable sealing through elastic deformation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function and fastening function are merged into a single integrated system. The elastic component simultaneously provides the pulling force for attachment and the sealing action through its deformation, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and simplifying the overall attachment structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 prevents exposure of fastening members, reduces bacterial growth risks, enhances attachment strength, and maintains a sealed environment, facilitating easy removal and installation of the cover without bolts, while maintaining a tight seal.

Implementation Method 1

The third component is an elastic component which generates an elastic force which draws the first component and the second component to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9662795B2Cover attachment structure for robot and robot having the same

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 DENSO WAVE INC

AI summary

A cover attachment structure for attaching a cover to a predetermined component of a robot includes a first component, a second component and a third component. The first component is disposed to the predetermined component of the robot. The second component is disposed to an inner part of the cover. The first component and the second component are engaged with each other through the third component. The first component and the second component are drawn to each other by the third component in a manner that the predetermined component and the cover are brought close to each other.