Robot Joint Flange Assembly with Single Crane Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot joint structures lack efficient assembly and maintenance capabilities, particularly in environments where only a single crane is available, due to limitations in supporting and fixing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A robot joint design featuring a double-supported structure with a reducer and bearing, along with flange surfaces and screw holes, allows for relative rotation and movement, enabling secure fixation and easy assembly/disassembly using a single crane by leveraging friction between flange surfaces and bolt-fastened connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a double-supported structure with reducer and bearing is used to support joint members, then the rigidity and stability of the joint is improved, but the complexity of assembly and maintenance increases due to requiring multiple cranes for component handling
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure is divided into modular components (first joint member, second joint member, reducer, bearing) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each component has standardized interfaces (flange surfaces with screw holes) enabling segmented assembly operations that can be performed with a single crane.
Solution Approach 2:
Flange surfaces are pre-positioned on joint members before assembly, and screw holes are pre-aligned to enable direct bolting operations. The reducer and bearing are pre-assembled onto joint members, allowing for simplified final assembly operations that reduce crane requirements.
2Reliability
If flange surfaces with screw holes are used for connecting joint members, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional fastening components
Solution Approach 1:
The flange surface and screw hole features are integrated directly into the joint member structures themselves, eliminating the need for separate flange plates or mounting brackets. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete components while maintaining reliable bolted connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange surfaces with screw holes serve multiple functions: providing mounting surfaces for reducers and bearings, enabling precise alignment of joint members, and facilitating both assembly and disassembly operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components.
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
Facilitates efficient assembly, maintenance, and disassembly of robot joints even with a single crane, ensuring stable fixation and separation of joint components, thereby enhancing operational flexibility and reducing the need for multiple cranes.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging friction between flange surfaces and bolt-fastened connections
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes one or more joints. At least the one joint includes: a first joint member and a second joint member disposed so as to be relatively rotatable around a predetermined axis; a reducer that relatively rotatably supports the first and second joint members around the axis on one side in a direction of the axis of the first joint member; and a bearing that supports the first and second joint members relatively rotatably around the axis and relatively movable in a direction along the axis on another side in the direction of the axis of the first joint member, the first and second joint members include respective flange surfaces perpendicular to the axis and facing each other in the direction of the axis, and each of the flange surfaces includes a screw hole or a through hole for closely adhering the flange surfaces by fastening of a bolt.