Robot Hand Guide Member for Stable Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the production of electronic apparatus, flexible linear members like cables are difficult to route on a work surface using a robot hand due to slippage and detachment from the surface, as the finger unit moves above the surface.
Innovation Solution
A robot hand with a finger unit capable of holding the linear member slidably, equipped with a guide member and an elastic member to maintain tension and prevent slippage, along with a sensor and control section to adjust the holding force, ensuring the linear member is properly guided and secured on the work surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the finger unit moves above the work surface to route the cable, then the cable routing flexibility is improved, but the cable easily gets loose and leaves the work surface
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the finger unit and the cable. The guide member includes a guide section that contacts and guides the cable along the work surface, while the finger unit holds the guide member. This intermediary structure enables the finger unit to operate above the work surface while maintaining cable position stability through the guide section.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is designed to automatically guide the cable along the predetermined route on the work surface through its guide section, without requiring direct contact or complex control mechanisms. The guide section itself performs the guiding function by its geometric structure, making the system self-regulating for cable position maintenance.
2Reliability
If the holding force of the finger unit is increased to prevent cable slippage, then the cable position stability is improved, but the cable may be damaged or the finger unit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a mediator that transfers the holding function from the finger unit to the cable. Instead of the finger unit directly gripping the cable with high force, it holds the guide member which in turn guides the cable. This distributes the mechanical interaction and reduces the complexity of the finger unit's gripping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding and guiding functions are segmented into separate components: the finger unit provides holding capability, while the guide member provides guiding and additional holding stability. This functional segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a guide member is added to guide the cable, then the cable routing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed to perform multiple functions: it is held by the finger unit, guides the cable along the predetermined route, and maintains cable position stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high placement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding function is merged with the holding structure by integrating the guide member into the finger unit's operational mechanism. The guide member becomes an integral part of the robot hand's cable handling system, combining guiding and holding capabilities in a unified structure rather than adding completely separate 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 solution effectively routes flexible linear members without slippage or detachment, maintaining constant tension and ensuring accurate placement on the work surface, enhancing the reliability and precision of the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is mounted between the finger unit and the guide member... pressing the linear member against the work surface taking advantage of an elastic force of the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A robot hand according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a finger unit and a guide member. The finger unit is capable of holding a flexible linear member such that the linear member is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the linear member, the linear member being a linear member whose one end is fixed. The guide member is mounted on the finger unit, and includes a guide section that guides the linear member to a predetermined position.