Robot Handheld Device Holder for Universal Device Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot handheld devices lack flexibility and intuitiveness for controlling robots, particularly in programming, due to limited mechanical coupling options and compatibility with various device sizes and orientations.

Innovation Solution

A robot handheld device with a handle-like grip section and a holder that allows for manually detachable mechanical coupling to different devices, featuring adjustable holding arms and clamping profiles to securely attach to one corner of devices, enabling universal compatibility with devices of varying sizes and orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a robot handheld device uses a fixed mechanical coupling structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different device sizes and orientations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different device sizes and orientations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The holder incorporates adjustable holding arms that can dynamically change their position and orientation to adapt to different device sizes and orientations. The holding arms can be adjusted to different angles and positions, allowing the same holder structure to securely attach to various devices while maintaining stable mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed with universal adaptability to work with multiple types of devices (tablet computers, smartphones, laptops, etc.) of different sizes and orientations. By incorporating adjustable holding arms and multiple attachment points, the holder serves multiple functions: securing different device types, accommodating various orientations, and providing stable mechanical coupling across diverse applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a robot handheld device uses multiple adapters for different devices, then the compatibility with various devices is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various devicesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple separate adapters for different devices, the invention employs a single universal holder structure that can accommodate various devices. The holder integrates multiple functions (adjustable holding arms, flexible clamping mechanisms, multiple attachment points) into one device, eliminating the need for separate adapters while maintaining compatibility with tablets, smartphones, laptops, and other devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder uses dynamically adjustable components such as movable holding arms and flexible clamping mechanisms that can adapt to different device dimensions and shapes. This dynamic adjustability allows a single holder structure to replace multiple fixed adapters, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad device compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a robot handheld device uses a secure mechanical coupling mechanism, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of attachment and detachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of connectionVSAvoidease of attachment and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a holder body, adjustable holding arms, and release mechanisms. This segmentation allows the connection to be securely formed through simple attachment actions while enabling easy release through dedicated release mechanisms, thus maintaining both high reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates self-adjusting features where the holding arms automatically position and secure themselves when a device is inserted, providing reliable connection without complex manual adjustment. The release mechanisms are designed for simple one-handed operation, allowing users to easily detach devices while the holder maintains secure connection during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3081351B1Hand-held robot control apparatus, and associated method
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 KUKA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3081351B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3081351B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3081351B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a robot operator handheld device (15) comprising a housing (16) having a handle-like grip section (16a), a safety control device (17) arranged in the housing (16), and at least one holder (22) connected to the housing (16), which is designed for manually releasable mechanical coupling of the housing (16) to a device (23) other than the robot operator handheld device (15) and which communicates electronically with the safety control device (17), wherein the holder (22) has a first retaining arm (22.1) designed for mechanically connecting the robot operator handheld device (15) to a first edge section (23.1) of the device (23) while leaving an opposite edge section (23.3) of the device (23) free, and a second retaining arm (22.2) designed for mechanically connecting the robot operator handheld device (15) to a second edge section (23.2) of the device (23), which is attached to the first edge section (23.1) forming a corner section (23.5) of the device (23), leaving an edge section (23.4) of the device (23) free that is opposite the second edge section (23.2). The invention also relates to an associated method.