Robot Interface Module Pneumatic Control Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot arm systems face challenges in easily integrating and cost-effectively actuating gripping devices, with direct mechanical fastening and external pneumatic actuation leading to complex and fault-prone electrical connections, and limited response behavior due to long pneumatic paths.
Innovation Solution
An interface module is introduced that includes a first fastening interface for the robot arm, pneumatic connections for pressurized air supply and return, an electrically actuatable control valve device, and an internal electronic control unit to generate valve control signals, allowing for precise control of the gripping device's pneumatic actuation and integration with an external control system, reducing electrical line connections and enhancing response behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gripping device is directly mechanically fastened to the robot arm interface with external pneumatic actuation, then the mechanical connection is simple, but the electrical connections become complex and fault-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control valve device and electronic control unit into an integrated interface module that combines mechanical fastening and electrical control functions in a single unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate external electrical connections, reducing connection complexity and improving reliability by keeping electrical components enclosed within the module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external control valve devices are used with long pneumatic paths, then the system construction is flexible, but the response behavior deteriorates due to increased inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module acts as an intermediary component positioned between the robot arm interface and the gripping device. It includes internally integrated control valves that receive pneumatic supply directly at the module, creating short flow paths and reducing inertia. This intermediary position allows the module to mediate between the robot arm's pneumatic supply and the gripping device's actuation needs.
3Speed
If control valve devices are integrated into the interface module, then the response behavior improves with short flow paths, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module merges multiple functions (mechanical fastening, pneumatic distribution, electrical control, and signal processing) into a single integrated unit. While this integration increases functional complexity, it consolidates components into one module that interfaces with the robot arm through a single connection point, simplifying the overall system architecture and installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: mechanical mounting of the gripping device, pneumatic supply and control, electrical signal processing, and communication with the robot control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and external control hardware.
4Ease of manufacture
If standard gripping devices are used on collaborative robots, then the cost-effectiveness improves, but the integration complexity increases without an interface module
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module enables standard gripping devices to be self-sufficient by integrating all necessary control functions (valves, electronics, signal processing) within the module itself. The gripping device only needs to provide mechanical attachment and pneumatic connections, while the interface module handles all control and communication functions, allowing standard devices to work on collaborative robots without requiring custom modifications.
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 interface module enables precise and cost-effective handling of gripping tasks by integrating a control valve device and electronic control unit within the module, reducing technical effort on the robot and improving response behavior, allowing for the use of standard gripping devices on collaborative robots and enabling efficient retrofitting and complex task handling.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically actuatable control valve device fluidically connected via a first fluid channel system to the first pneumatic connections and via a second fluid channel system to the second pneumatic connections, which is designed to be able to control, on the basis of electric valve control signals supplied to it, the output, return flow and blocking of pressurised air to the second pneumatic connections
Implementation Method 2
an internal electronic control unit, which is electrically connected to the electrically actuatable control valve device and through which the electric valve control signals for the control valve device are generatable
Data Source
AI summary
An interface module designed for installing a pneumatically actuated gripping device on a robot arm includes a first fastening interface for installation on the robot arm and a second fastening interface for installation of the gripping device. First pneumatic connections serve for the connection to a pressure source and a pressure sink, while second pneumatic connections serve for the fluidic connection to the gripping device. The interface module contains a control valve device, by way of which the gripping device is pneumatically actuatable and which is, in turn, controllable by means of valve control signals, which are provided by an internal electronic control unit, which communicates with an external electronic control device. A robot equipped with such an interface module is further proposed.