Robot Joint Structure for Dust Sealing and Liquid Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots used in clean environments face challenges with dust and liquid ingress into joint gaps, which can lead to corrosion and other issues.

Innovation Solution

A robot design featuring a sloped inner surface and a support mechanism with integrated gaskets and slits to facilitate the discharge of liquid and prevent accumulation in the inner space, while allowing for both floor-standing and ceiling-suspended installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the joint gap is made narrow to reduce dust or liquid entry, then the reliability is improved, but the liquid discharge capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against dust and liquid ingressVSAvoidliquid accumulation in inner space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inner surface is segmented into multiple regions with different slopes, creating distinct functional zones: a first sloped region for liquid discharge and a second region for structural support. This segmentation allows the narrow joint gap to maintain protection while the sloped region provides liquid discharge pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional sloped surface. By introducing a slope dimension to the inner surface, liquid can be directed toward the joint gap and discharged externally, resolving the contradiction between narrow gap protection and liquid discharge capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the inner surface is made flat and narrow to protect against contamination, then the reliability is improved, but the liquid flow and discharge capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination protectionVSAvoidliquid discharge function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inner surface is designed with a curved sloped geometry rather than a flat surface. This curvature facilitates liquid flow by creating a natural drainage path toward the joint gap, enabling effective liquid discharge while maintaining the narrow gap structure for contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The narrow joint gap, which initially appears to be a harmful factor by trapping liquids, is converted into a beneficial discharge pathway. The sloped inner surface directs liquid toward the joint gap, transforming the potential harm of liquid accumulation into a functional liquid discharge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If the joint gap is minimized to prevent dust entry, then the reliability is improved, but the inner space ventilation and liquid discharge capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust ingress preventionVSAvoidliquid accumulation and corrosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the inner surface are assigned different qualities: the first sloped region has a slope optimized for liquid discharge, while the second region maintains the narrow gap structure for dust prevention. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between dust protection and liquid discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sloped inner surface is designed in advance to preemptively channel liquid toward the joint gap before accumulation can occur. This preliminary action prevents liquid buildup by continuously directing it toward the discharge pathway, addressing the corrosion risk before it materializes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively prevents liquid accumulation and discharge of dust and liquid from the inner space, maintaining the robot's operational integrity and reducing corrosion risks.

Implementation Method 1

The inner surface is sloped toward the opening in a direction extending away from the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12539599B2Robot
Publication Date: 2026.02.03 FANUC LTD
  • US12539599B2 patent drawing
  • US12539599B2 patent drawing
  • US12539599B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A robot includes a base installed on an installation surface, a movable part rotatable around a vertical axis relative to the base, and a support mechanism that supports the movable part so as to be rotatable around the axis relative to the base, where the movable part has an inner surface extending circumferentially at the periphery of the support mechanism and facing the base, and an opening connecting an inner space across which the inner surface and the base face each other with an outer space at a specific position in the circumferential direction, and the inner surface slopes in the direction away from the base towards the opening.