Force-Sensing Robot Insertion Control to Prevent Object Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot systems face challenges in fitting objects without deforming them, as they move and explore the shape of the second object while in contact, leading to potential deformation of both objects during the fitting process.

Innovation Solution

The robot system uses a force detector to determine if the first object has come into contact with a position different from the insertion portion of the second object, and then moves in a specific direction to separate them, employing various trajectories such as straight lines or spirals to adjust the relative position and prevent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the robot moves the first object while in contact with the second object to explore its shape, then the exploration action is achieved, but deformation of one or both objects may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexploration actionVSAvoidobject deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The robot performs a contact action to bring the first object into contact with the second object before exploration. This preliminary contact establishes a stable baseline position, allowing subsequent exploration movements to be detected as deviations from this baseline, enabling shape exploration without deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The robot detects contact force between the first and second objects during movement. When contact force exceeds a threshold indicating improper contact (contact with position different from insertion portion), the system provides feedback to separate the objects, preventing deformation while maintaining exploration capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the robot separates the objects after detecting improper contact, then deformation is suppressed, but additional time is required for separation and repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation suppressionVSAvoidseparation and repositioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

When improper contact is detected, the robot immediately executes a rapid separation movement to quickly return the first object to a safe position. This rushing through the correction process minimizes the time lost while ensuring deformation is prevented

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot performs periodic contact actions to bring the first object into contact with the second object for exploration, followed by periodic separation actions when improper contact is detected. This rhythmic pattern of contact-exploration-separation optimizes the balance between shape exploration and deformation prevention over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3173193B1Robot, robot system and method of controlling a robot
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3173193B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3173193B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3173193B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A robot (20) includes an arm, and a force detector (21) provided in the arm and detecting a force, wherein at least one of a first object (P1, P2) and a second object is moved in a direction in which the first object (P1, P2) and the second object get closer to each other by the arm, and, if contact of the first object with a position different from an insertion portion of the second object is determined based on output of the force detector, the first object (P1, P2) and the second object are separated.