Robot Hip Joint Flange Recess Design for Tool Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hip joint structure of legged walking robots makes it difficult to attach and remove legs during manufacturing and maintenance due to a small gap for tools, hindering efficient assembly and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A hip joint structure featuring a pair of thigh base-end members and a pillar-shaped pelvis member with flange parts and recesses, allowing for easy attachment and removal of the leg unit, while also downsizing the robot by eliminating the need for protruding fastening members and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If bolts are disposed to be inserted into through-holes extending in the vertical direction of the hip plate, then the hip joint structure achieves compact design, but the gap for tool insertion becomes small making attachment and removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the through-holes from vertical (up-down direction) to horizontal (left-right direction) relative to the hip plate. This dimensional change allows tools to be inserted from the side rather than from above/below, significantly improving access while maintaining the compact vertical profile of the robot. The flange extends in the up-down direction providing tool access space, while the through-holes extend in the left-right direction enabling easy bolt insertion and removal.
2Volume of moving object
If flange parts are formed by recesses extending in the vertical direction, then robot downsizing is achieved, but tool access gap remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an asymmetric structure where the flange extends predominantly in the up-down direction (vertical) rather than being symmetric in all directions. This asymmetric design allows the majority of the flange volume to contribute to compactness in the horizontal direction, while the vertical extension specifically addresses tool access requirements. The asymmetric orientation of the recess and through-holes further enhances this by providing unilateral access paths for tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A hip joint structure of a robot includes a pair of thigh base-end members and a pillar-shaped pelvis member disposed so as to be sandwiched between the pair of thigh base-end members. A flange part is formed in each of left and right end parts in a front surface of the pelvis member, and each of left and right end parts in a rear surface of the pelvis member by a recess extending in the vertical direction. The flange part is fastened to the thigh base-end member by a fastening member.