Robot Joint Stopper Adaptor for Adjustable Motion Range

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot joint systems lack flexibility in adjusting the motion range restriction without increasing the complexity and cost of the design, particularly in limited space configurations.

Innovation Solution

A robot design incorporating a fixed stopper and a detachable movable stopper with an adaptor that allows for adjustable attachment positions around the joint axis, enabling the restriction of the motion range and easy change of the limit angle by attaching the movable stopper to either the main-body-side or adaptor-side attachment parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachment holes are provided around the joint to enable stopper repositioning, then the motion range restriction flexibility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion range restriction flexibilityVSAvoidattachment holes configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function is segmented between the second member (providing main-body-side attachment part) and the adaptor (providing adaptor-side attachment part). This segmentation allows the adaptor to be a separate, interchangeable component that provides additional attachment positions without modifying the second member structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main-body-side attachment part is designed with universal compatibility to accept both the adaptor and the movable stopper. This multi-functionality allows a single attachment interface to serve multiple purposes: direct stopper attachment and adaptor attachment (which then holds the stopper), thereby providing flexibility without requiring multiple specialized attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachment holes are provided around the joint to enable stopper repositioning, then the motion range restriction flexibility is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion range restriction flexibilityVSAvoidmachining processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment function is segmented between the second member (providing main-body-side attachment part) and the adaptor (providing adaptor-side attachment part). This segmentation allows the adaptor to be a separate, interchangeable component that provides additional attachment positions without modifying the second member structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The main-body-side attachment part is designed with universal compatibility to accept both the adaptor and the movable stopper. This multi-functionality allows a single attachment interface to serve multiple purposes: direct stopper attachment and adaptor attachment (which then holds the stopper), thereby providing flexibility without requiring multiple specialized attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adaptor and movable stopper use different attachment positions in circumferential direction, then the motion range adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion range adjustment capabilityVSAvoidattachment part configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor acts as an intermediary component between the main-body-side attachment part and the movable stopper. By positioning the adaptor-side attachment part at a different circumferential location than the main-body-side attachment part, the adaptor mediates the connection and enables motion range adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10744637B2Robot

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A robot includes a robot main body including a first member, a second member, and a joint that coupling the first and the second members together so as to be relatively rotatable around an axis, a fixed stopper fixed to the first member, and an adaptor and a movable stopper that are each detachably attached to the second member. The second member has a main-body-side attachment part to which either one of the adaptor and the movable stopper is selectively attached. The adaptor has an adaptor-side attachment part to which the movable stopper is attached and which is arranged in a position different from that of the main-body-side attachment part in a circumferential direction around the axis, while the adaptor is in a state of being attached to the main-body-side attachment part.