Robot Arm Flange Connection With Radial Clamping And Axial Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot arm flange connections are limited by their axial length, leading to restricted installation space and poor assembly and adjustability, necessitating improved designs for easier and secure assembly.
Innovation Solution
A flange connection system featuring a first and second flange element with clamping extensions and projections, utilizing wedge-shaped clamping elements and friction-fit connections to minimize axial space requirements while allowing for adjustable assembly through clamping force adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw flanges with multiple screw connections are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the axial installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements are inserted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flange (in the radial direction) rather than parallel to it. This dimensional change allows the clamping force to be applied axially while the insertion direction is radial, thereby reducing the axial installation space requirement while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The flange connection is divided into multiple clamping zones with multiple clamping elements distributed around the circumference. Each clamping element independently contributes to the overall connection strength, allowing the force to be distributed across multiple points rather than requiring a single long connection element
2Length of moving object
If the flange connection is made compact axially, then the installation space is reduced, but the assembly and adjustability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the insertion direction to perpendicular (radial) rather than axial, the assembly process is simplified as the clamping elements can be inserted from the side rather than requiring complex axial alignment. This dimensional change decouples the assembly direction from the force application direction
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping elements are designed to be adjustable in their insertion depth, allowing dynamic adjustment of the clamping force. This adjustability enables easy assembly and fine-tuning of the connection strength without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
3Reliability
If multiple screw connections are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each clamping element serves multiple functions: it provides clamping force, acts as a positioning element, and can be adjusted for force distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is segmented into multiple independent clamping zones, each with its own clamping element. This segmentation allows each element to be independently adjusted and replaced if needed, improving reliability through redundancy while keeping each individual element simple in design
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 provides a compact, easily assembled, and securely connected robot arm with improved adjustability and tolerance compensation, enhancing the overall assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a friction-fit and/or positive-locking connection of the second clamping extension to the flange shoulder can be established by inserting the at least one clamping element between the at least one first clamping extension and the second clamping extension
Implementation Method 2
the at least one clamping element is wedge-shaped. This allows the flange connection to be determined by selecting an insertion depth of the at least one clamping element between the at least one first clamping extension and the second clamping extension
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
Flange connection (10) for connecting a first robot arm part (12) to a second robot arm part (14), comprising a flange longitudinal axis (16), a first flange element (18), a second flange element (20) and at least one clamping body (22), wherein the first flange element (18) comprises a flange shoulder (24), and a first flange projection (26) with at least one first clamping extension (28), wherein the second flange element (20) comprises at least one second flange projection (30) with a second clamping extension (32), and wherein the first flange element (18) and the second flange element (20) are arranged relative to each other such that a friction-fit and/or positive-locking connection of the second clamping extension (32) to the flange shoulder (24) can be established by inserting the at least one clamping body (22) between the at least one first clamping extension (28) and the second clamping extension (32).