Robot End Effector Threaded Shaft Fluid Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid dispensing systems lack accurate volume control, leading to excess fluid application due to variations in fluid type, viscosity, mixing quality, and environmental conditions, resulting in inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
An end effector for robots featuring a threaded shaft, motor, and nut mechanism with sensors and processors to precisely control fluid dispensing by measuring and adjusting the rotation of the threaded shaft, ensuring accurate volume and rate of fluid delivery through a mixer for improved accuracy and reduced waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pressure is applied to a container to dispense fluid, then fluid dispensing is achieved, but volume control accuracy deteriorates due to variations in fluid type, viscosity, mixing quality, and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional pressure-based mechanical dispensing system with a motor-driven threaded shaft mechanism. The motor rotates the threaded shaft, which moves the nut linearly to precisely control plunger displacement and fluid volume. This substitution of mechanical pressure control with motorized threaded motion enables accurate volume control independent of fluid properties and environmental conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If excess fluid is applied to a workpiece, then coverage is improved, but material waste increases and subsequent removal is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the identifier of containers and provide feedback to the control system. The processor uses this feedback to control motor operation, enabling precise measurement and adjustment of fluid volume dispensed. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate fluid application without excess, eliminating waste and the need for subsequent removal operations.
3Device complexity
If a simple pressure-based dispensing system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to lack of volume control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dispensing system into distinct functional components: a motor for rotational control, a threaded shaft for motion conversion, a nut for linear movement, and a plunger for fluid displacement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve precise volume control, balancing device complexity with manufacturing precision.
4Ease of operation
If pressure control is used for fluid dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately measure and control fluid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pressure control with an automated motor-driven system. The motor rotates the threaded shaft at controlled speeds, and the processor calculates fluid volume based on motor rotation count and speed. This substitution provides both ease of operation through automation and high measurement precision through electronic control and calculation, eliminating the trade-off present in pressure-based systems.
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 system provides enhanced accuracy and reduced fluid loss by deterministically correlating motor control with fluid volume and rate, adapting to fluid variations and environmental conditions, facilitating precise application of fluids like adhesives and sealants.
Implementation Method 1
a motor coupled to the threaded shaft and configured to rotate the threaded shaft about a longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft
Implementation Method 2
a nut threaded onto the threaded shaft; means configured to prevent or oppose the nut from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft; a first elongate member having a first end fixedly coupled to the nut and a second end opposite to its first end, the first elongate member extending from the nut in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft
Implementation Method 3
a first reciprocable plunger extending into an end of the first body portion opposite to the end of the first body portion at or proximate to which the first fluid discharge opening is located
Implementation Method 4
a mixer (e.g. a static mixer) comprising: an inlet in fluid communication with each fluid discharge opening; an outlet; a channel between the inlet and the outlet through which a fluid may flow; and mixing means at least partially located in the channel and configured to mix together multiple fluids flowing through the channel
Data Source
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AI summary
An end effector (100) for a robot comprising: a threaded shaft (118); a motor (106) coupled to the shaft (1 18) and configured to rotate the shaft (118) about its axis; a nut (122) threaded onto the shaft (118); means (124) for preventing the nut (122) from rotating about the axis of the shaft (1 18); and an elongate member (126) fixed at one end to the nut (122) and extending from the nut (122) in a direction parallel to the axis of the shaft (1 18). The end effector (100) may further comprise a container (142) for containing a fluid (148) comprising: an elongate body portion comprising an opening (150) at one end; and a reciprocable plunger (146) extending into an opposite end of the body portion. A second end of the elongate member (126) may be coupled to the plunger (146).