Integrated Robot Controller for Automated Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leak check systems have complex structures due to numerous mechanical and control elements, making them difficult to manage and automate effectively, especially when inspecting objects with multiple openings.
Innovation Solution
A simplified leak check system that uses a robotic arm with a control device to supply air to an inspection target space, monitor pressure changes, and determine leaks, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex control systems by integrating air supply and leak determination functions into the robot control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional leak check systems use separate leak testers and robotic arm controllers, then leak detection accuracy is maintained, but system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leak tester and robotic arm controller into a single integrated control device. This merger maintains leak detection accuracy while significantly reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing the number of interconnections between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control device performs multiple functions: it controls the robotic arm movements, manages the air supply mechanism, operates the plug attachment-and-detachment hand, and conducts leak detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining operational precision.
2Productivity
If manual leak check operations are performed by workers, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and consistency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-inspection where the robotic arm automatically positions the air discharge part, the plug hand seals openings, the air supply mechanism pressurizes the inspection space, and the integrated controller monitors pressure changes. This automation eliminates manual intervention while maintaining systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system controlled by software. The robotic arm substitutes human workers for positioning and operation, while the integrated control device replaces manual coordination with automated control algorithms, improving consistency and productivity.
3Reliability
If multiple mechanical elements are used to block openings and supply air, then leak detection reliability is improved, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control device controls multiple functions including plug attachment, air supply, and pressure monitoring through a single system. This reduces the number of separate mechanical elements needed while maintaining reliable leak detection through coordinated control of all operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of blocking openings and supplying air into a coordinated automated sequence controlled by a single device. This integration reduces the number of independent mechanical elements while ensuring reliable operation through unified control of the inspection process.
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 system simplifies leak check operations by automating the air supply and leak detection process, allowing for efficient inspection of objects with multiple openings and internal spaces, such as articulated robots, without requiring a multitude of mechanical elements.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor, provided to the air supply pipe, and configured to send detected pressure data to the robot control device
Data Source
AI summary
A leak check system is provided, which supplies air to inspection target space that an object to be inspected has and checks leak based on a pressure change of inspection target space. System includes pedestal, robotic arm including plurality of arm bodies serially coupled from pedestal, robot control device configured to control operation of robotic arm, air supply hand, having air discharge part connected to object to be inspected to discharge air into inspection target space, and attachably and detachably attached to a tip-end part of robotic arm, air supply source, air supply pipe configured to lead air from air supply source to air discharge part, pressure sensor, provided to air supply pipe, and configured to send detected pressure data to robot control device, and air supply mechanism of which supply of air from air supply source to air discharge part is controlled by robot control device.