Robot Joint Communication Layout for Reduced Internal Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing robot systems face design constraints due to the large number of wires required for connecting end effectors and controllers, which limits the degree of freedom in design and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
The robot system incorporates a communication unit that connects the first external device to the controller via a bus wiring system, allowing data transmission through existing communication lines, reducing the need for additional wires and enhancing design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiring coupling the end effector and the controller is laid inside of the robot, then electrical connection is established, but the number of wires increases and design freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The end effector includes a communication unit that transmits data to the controller via wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical wires inside the robot body while maintaining reliable data transmission between components
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit in the end effector serves multiple functions: it enables wireless data transmission for control signals, provides feedback from sensors, and allows communication with external devices. This multi-functional component replaces multiple separate wiring connections that would otherwise be needed for different signal types
2Reliability
If wiring coupling the drive devices and the controller is laid inside of the robot, then drive signals are transmitted, but the number of wires increases and design freedom is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system for drive device communication with a wireless communication system. The encoder and other drive devices transmit data to the controller wirelessly through communication units, eliminating the need for additional wires inside the robot body while maintaining reliable signal transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If more wires are laid inside of the robot, then more components can be connected, but space for passing wires must be secured and design freedom decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring infrastructure with wireless communication infrastructure. Communication units integrated into various components enable connectivity between the end effector, drive devices, controller, and external devices without requiring physical wire pathways inside the robot body, thereby maintaining component connectivity while eliminating wiring space constraints
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes a robot, a controller that controls actuation of the robot, and a first external device, wherein the robot has a first member, a second member that pivots relative to the first member, a motor that generates drive power for pivoting the second member relative to the first member, an encoder including a detection unit that detects an amount of rotation of the motor, a control unit that controls actuation of the detection unit, a communication unit that communicates with the controller, and a first device connecting part connected to the first external device, the control unit connected to the detection unit, the communication unit, and the first device connecting part, and a first communication line connecting the communication unit and the controller, and data of the first external device is transmitted to the controller via the first device connecting part and the first communication line.