Robot Arm Flange Joint With V-Teeth for Fast Rigid Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular robotic systems face challenges in quickly and reliably interconnecting modules due to reliance on high surface pressure and tight production tolerances, making it time-consuming and inefficient to assemble and reconfigure robotic structures for different tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular coupling system using angled contact faces between flanges with V-shaped teeth and cavities, secured by a clamp, allowing for a rigid and friction-independent connection that transmits forces without slipping, and can be assembled with minimal screws, independent of precise production tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high surface pressure and tight production tolerances are used to support necessary loads, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time increases and manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into discrete teeth elements distributed around the circumference. Each tooth independently transmits load through its own cavity, distributing the force transmission across multiple localized contact points rather than relying on uniform high surface pressure across the entire flange interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth geometry is specifically designed with contact faces angled at 45 degrees to the radial direction. This local geometric feature creates a self-locking mechanism where the contact faces are oriented to resist both radial and tangential forces, providing localized load-bearing capability without requiring tight tolerances or high clamping pressure across the entire joint.
2Strength
If high surface pressure and tight production tolerances are used to support necessary loads, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flange connection is divided into multiple discrete teeth rather than relying on a continuous contact surface. This segmentation allows each tooth to be manufactured independently with standardized geometry, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the need for tight overall tolerance control while maintaining strong load transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes from relying on surface pressure parameters to relying on geometric parameters. The 45-degree angled contact faces and the interference fit between tooth and cavity create a geometry-driven connection that is inherently self-aligning and self-locking, eliminating the need for precise control of surface flatness, parallelism, and other geometric tolerances that would otherwise be required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection locking all 6 degrees of freedom is achieved, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges multiple functions into the single tooth-cavity interaction: force transmission in radial direction, force transmission in tangential direction, and rotational constraint are all achieved through the same angled contact faces. The clamp simultaneously provides axial clamping force and positions the flanges for proper tooth engagement, eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled contact faces of the teeth automatically self-align and self-lock when the flanges are brought together under clamp pressure. The geometry of the 45-degree angles causes the contact faces to naturally orient themselves to resist applied loads, and the interference fit between tooth and cavity provides automatic centering and positioning without requiring additional alignment features or adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable joint between two component flanges is for use in a robot arm. The flanges have a number of teeth on each part that is pressed into contact by clamps, screws or other means. The releasable joint assembly is suitable for establishing a robot joint between a first and second component each having interlocking annular flange with respective contact surfaces, and where these flanges are held in place by a clamp.