Robot Linear Guide Lifetime Estimation from Slider Load Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifetime estimation devices for robots are limited in accurately estimating the lifespan of linear-motion mechanisms, as they rely on electrical current values from motors, which are not applicable to all robotic systems, particularly those with linear-motion mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device that calculates the load and travel distance of sliders in a linear-motion mechanism using geometric parameters and operating programs, then estimates the lifetime based on these calculations, displaying the results and temporal changes in load to identify potential wear issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical current values from motors are used for lifetime estimation, then rotary shaft lifetime can be estimated, but linear-motion mechanism lifetime cannot be accurately estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical measurement approach (current sensing) with a mechanical parameter-based calculation approach. By using geometric parameters, operating programs, and calculated load/travel distance data, the system estimates lifetime without relying on electrical current values, making it applicable to both rotary shafts and linear-motion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal lifetime estimation method that works for multiple types of robotic components (both rotary shafts and linear-motion mechanisms). The calculation unit uses the same fundamental approach (integrating load and travel distance over time) regardless of the specific mechanism type, enabling one system to serve multiple estimation purposes.
2Measurement precision
If load and travel distance calculations are performed for each slider, then accurate lifetime estimation is achieved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the linear-motion mechanism into individual slider components and calculates load and travel distance for each slider separately. This segmentation allows precise lifetime estimation for each component while maintaining organizational clarity through structured calculation units that process each slider's data independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of geometric parameters, loads, and travel distances before the actual lifetime estimation. By pre-calculating these parameters based on the operating program and robot geometry, the system reduces the complexity of the final lifetime calculation while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifetime estimation device for a robot including a linear-motion mechanism including a guide member and at least one slider moving along the guide member includes: a load calculation unit that calculates, at predetermined time intervals, a load acting on each slider on a basis of a program for operating the robot and geometric parameters of the robot and a load mounted on the robot; a travel-distance calculation unit that calculates travel distances of the slider at the time intervals; a lifetime calculation unit that calculates a lifetime of the linear-motion mechanism on a basis of the loads calculated by the load calculation unit and the travel distances calculated by the travel-distance calculation unit; and a display unit that displays the calculated lifetime.