Robot Joint Brake Disc and Ratchet for Emergency Stop Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake technologies for robot joints, such as pin brakes, are either expensive, space-consuming, or fail to provide reliable emergency braking due to the inability to withstand the forces generated during uncontrolled stops.
Innovation Solution
A motor drive unit with a ratchet mechanism and a brake disc element, featuring adjustable static and dynamic friction surfaces, allows for compact design and precise braking by converting radial friction to axial force, utilizing a spring element and concentrically arranged components to manage braking forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin brake is used for emergency stopping, then the braking force can be applied to the rotating annular member, but the pin cannot withstand the resulting force during uncontrolled stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a friction disc as an intermediary element between the pin and the rotating annular member (brake star). During emergency stopping, the pin engages the friction disc rather than directly engaging the brake star. The friction disc absorbs the impact forces through friction and deformation, protecting the pin from damage while still enabling effective braking through the friction interface.
2Reliability
If a slip coupling is added to protect the pin during emergency stops, then the pin can be decoupled from the load, but the system becomes very space consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the friction disc with the brake star into a single integrated component structure. The friction disc is positioned concentrically within the brake star, merging two functional elements into one compact assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective mechanisms while maintaining both the braking function and the protective function during emergency stops.
3Reliability
If a clutch style brake is used, then reliable emergency braking is achieved, but the brake mechanism becomes expensive, space consuming and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-component mechanisms characteristic of clutch-style brakes, retaining only the essential elements needed for reliable emergency braking. By using a simple pin engaging a friction disc that interfaces with the brake star, the design removes unnecessary weight while maintaining braking reliability through the friction-based energy dissipation mechanism.
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 enables a compact, reliable, and flexible braking system that withstands emergency stops without damaging components, providing precise control over braking forces and maintaining consistent performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
At least one set of friction surfaces is provided, which provides for friction between the brake disc element and the annular member
Implementation Method 2
The motor drive unit comprises a spring element
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a motor drive unit for a robot, with a housing; with a motor shaft element which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (A) relative to the housing; with and a brake element comprising a ratchet. The brake element is connected to the housing and the ratchet is movable relative to the housing in order to enable a brake functionality of the motor drive unit, with the ratchet engaging an annular member in a locking position of the ratchet. A brake disc element which is attached on the motor shaft element and the annular member is rotatable relative to the brake disc element. At least one set of friction surfaces is provided in order to provide a given static friction or a given dynamic friction between the brake disc element and the annular member, where the friction surfaces extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A), in order to provide an improved brake functionality in a motor drive unit for a robot joint.