Robot Joint Sealing with Centrifugal Groove for Contamination Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots face challenges in preventing foreign matter such as water and dust from entering their joints, particularly in environments where contamination is high, due to inadequate sealing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A drive mechanism in the robot's joint includes a reducer, first and second seals, covers, and a groove, which work together to seal gaps and guide foreign matter out using centrifugal force, minimizing entry and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple seal structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance deteriorates allowing foreign matter to enter the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure is divided into multiple segments: a first seal between the output shaft and fixed portion, and a second seal between the first cover and intermediate portion. This segmentation allows each seal to address specific gaps and contamination paths, improving overall sealing performance without requiring a single complex seal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The first cover is nested within the fixed portion structure, and the second cover is nested within the intermediate portion. The groove on the first cover is nested to receive the second seal. This nested arrangement creates multiple levels of protection and allows compact integration of multiple sealing functions within the existing joint structure.
2Reliability
If the joint is sealed tightly, then foreign matter entry is prevented, but heat dissipation and lubrication effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design applies local quality by positioning seals at specific critical gaps where contamination is most likely to occur, rather than sealing the entire joint uniformly. The first seal addresses the gap between the output shaft and fixed portion, while the second seal addresses the gap between the first cover and intermediate portion, allowing controlled ventilation and heat dissipation in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove on the first cover acts as an intermediary structure that receives and channels the second seal. This intermediary design allows the seal to be positioned optimally for contamination protection while maintaining appropriate spacing for heat dissipation and lubrication effectiveness.
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 effectively prevents foreign matter from entering the joint, ensuring the robot's operational integrity even in contaminated environments by using a multi-seal and groove configuration that directs contaminants away from critical components.
Implementation Method 1
the groove receives water and the like, which has been splashed onto the first cover 31, and discharges the water and the like toward the input side IN
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a joint and a drive mechanism disposed in the joint. A reducer includes an output shaft and a fixed portion. A first seal seals a gap between the output shaft and the fixed portion. A first cover is fixed to the fixed portion and covers an outer surface of the fixed portion. An intermediate portion is fixed to an output-side portion of the output shaft. A second cover is fixed to an output-side portion of the intermediate portion and covers an outer surface and an output-side edge of the first cover. A second seal seals a gap between the first cover and the intermediate portion. A groove extends approximately over a circumference of the outer surface of the first cover.