Articulated Robot Joint Status Visualization for Manual Teaching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated-arm robots require operators to have specific knowledge of kinematic and dynamic properties, making manual interaction inefficient due to the need to consider secondary conditions like joint angles and loading limits, which can be difficult to observe directly.
Innovation Solution
An articulated-arm robot equipped with a movable arm member, a joint sensor, an optical signaling device, and an assessment device that continuously measures and visualizes joint status parameters, allowing operators to perceive kinematic and dynamic states without diverting attention from the robot arm, using graduated optical signals to indicate deviations from reference parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual teaching is performed without visual feedback, then the operator can focus on the robot arm movements, but the operator cannot directly observe joint status parameters like angles and loading limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coded optical signals (e.g., green, yellow, red LEDs) to represent different ranges of joint status parameters. This allows operators to instantly perceive joint angles, speeds, and loading conditions through color changes without needing to interpret numerical data, directly addressing the information loss problem while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical indicators (physical gauges, dials, or displays requiring operator attention) with optical signaling devices that provide visual feedback automatically. This substitution eliminates the need for separate measurement devices while enhancing operational efficiency through intuitive color-based status indication
2Reliability
If the operator monitors joint status parameters, then safety and precision improve, but the operator must divert attention from the robot arm movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color-coded optical signals to encode multiple joint status parameters simultaneously. Operators can monitor safety-critical information (joint limits, overload conditions, speed violations) through color changes without diverting attention from the robot arm, as the color feedback is provided peripherally and intuitively
Solution Approach 2:
The optical signaling device acts as an intermediary between the robot's control system and the operator. It translates complex joint status data into simple color-coded visual cues that can be perceived at a glance, allowing operators to maintain focus on the robot arm while still receiving continuous safety and status information
3Ease of operation
If detailed joint status information is provided, then operator knowledge requirements decrease, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a standardized color-coding system (e.g., green for normal, yellow for warning, red for critical) that simplifies the representation of detailed joint status information. This approach reduces operator knowledge requirements by replacing complex numerical data with intuitive color cues, while the signaling device complexity remains manageable through the use of standard LED components and simple control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling device is segmented into multiple independent optical indicators, each representing a specific joint or parameter range. This segmentation allows the system to provide detailed information for multiple joints simultaneously without creating a single complex display, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive status monitoring
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
This setup enables more accurate, quicker, safer, and efficient interaction by visually representing joint states, allowing operators to consider hidden limitations and optimize movements interactively.
Implementation Method 1
the signaling device may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
The articulated-arm robot has a robot arm with an arm element movable via a joint and a sensor for continuously measuring a status parameter of the joint. The articulated-arm robot also has an optical signaling device arranged on the robot arm in spatial assignment to the joint and an assessment device for continuously assessing the measured status parameter in a joint-specific manner and for controlling the signaling device on the basis of the assessment result.