Robot End Effector Gear-Driven Swing Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional end effectors for robots used in dispensation tasks are bulky and costly due to their complex designs, which include multiple components and large dimensions for transmitting motor driving force, such as ball screws or rack-and-pinion configurations.
Innovation Solution
An end effector design featuring a pipette with a press button operated by a swing part driven by a motor, utilizing a gear system comprising a first and second gear, where the swing part is attached to the second gear, and a roller is used to reduce wear, allowing for a compact and cost-effective dispensation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ball screw or rack-and-pinion configuration is used to transmit motor driving force, then reliable force transmission is achieved, but the apparatus size and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of force transmission from complex mechanisms (ball screw, rack-and-pinion) and implements it through a simplified swing part that directly presses the press button. This removes unnecessary intermediate components while maintaining the core functionality of transmitting motor-driven force to operate the pipette.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a motor to drive a complex transmission mechanism that moves a piston or plunger, the patent inverts the approach by having the motor drive a swing part that directly presses the external press button of the pipette. This reverses the conventional internal actuation mechanism to an external button-pressing approach, significantly simplifying the structure.
2Reliability
If a ball screw or rack-and-pinion configuration is used to transmit motor driving force, then reliable force transmission is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of force transmission from expensive complex mechanisms and implements it through a simple swing part structure. This removal of unnecessary components directly reduces production cost while maintaining the reliability of force transmission from motor to pipette operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as the swing part and roller that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These simple mechanical elements are much cheaper than ball screws or rack-and-pinion systems, achieving cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining functional reliability.
3Volume of stationary object
If a simple gear mechanism is used instead of ball screw, then apparatus size is reduced, but design flexibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The swing part serves multiple functions: it acts as a gear transmission element, a pressing mechanism, and a structural support component. This multi-functionality compensates for the simplicity of the gear mechanism, providing design flexibility without increasing apparatus size. The same component achieves force transmission, button pressing, and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing part dynamically swings between positions to engage with the press button, providing adaptive motion control. This dynamic behavior allows the simple gear mechanism to accommodate varying operational requirements, maintaining design flexibility through motion variability rather than structural complexity.
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 design achieves dispensation with a smaller size and reduced production cost compared to conventional systems, offering improved design flexibility and wear reduction through the use of a simple gear mechanism and a rubber roller.
Implementation Method 1
The swing part may be provided with a roller at a location where the swing part contacts the press button
Implementation Method 2
both the press button and the swing part can be suppressed from wear
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an end effector that is attached to a tip end of a robot arm for providing dispensation using a pipette and a chip attached to the pipette. The pipette includes a press button configured to draw a liquid into the chip or to discharge the liquid drawn into the chip from the chip as the press button is pressed and operated. The end effector includes a holding part for holding the pipette, a motor, and a swing part that presses and operates the press button as the swing part is driven and swung by the motor.