Robot Manipulator Control for Multi-End-Effector Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic manipulator control systems lack flexibility in accommodating different end effector appliances with unique physical characteristics and constraints, leading to increased operational complexity, especially when quickly transitioning between various tasks or when multiple appliances are concurrently used, which can result in interference and require manual camera reconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

A control system that dynamically modifies its algorithm based on identified end effector appliances, calculating optimal joint velocities through constrained optimization to adjust the controlled end point's location and orientation, and automatically configures camera views to accommodate the installed appliances, minimizing operator intervention and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional robotic manipulator control system is used, then the system structure is simple, but it lacks flexibility in accommodating different end effector appliances with unique physical characteristics and constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in accommodating different end effector appliancesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically modifies its control algorithm based on the identified end effector appliance. The control algorithm is updated in real-time to account for the specific physical characteristics and constraints of the installed appliance, enabling the system to adapt flexibly to different appliances without requiring hardware changes or manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses identification information from the end effector appliance (such as appliance ID, type, and parameters) to feedback into the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to automatically adjust its control algorithm and parameters based on the specific appliance installed, improving adaptability while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual control configuration is used for each end effector appliance, then the control system is simple, but the operational complexity increases when transitioning between various tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask transition efficiencyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector appliance automatically provides its identification information and parameters to the control system upon installation. The control system then automatically configures the appropriate control algorithm without requiring manual intervention from the operator. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces operational complexity and enables rapid task transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system pre-stores multiple control algorithms corresponding to different types of end effector appliances. When an appliance is installed and identified, the system automatically selects and loads the appropriate pre-configured algorithm, eliminating the need for manual configuration during task transitions and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple end effector appliances are concurrently used, then the system versatility is improved, but interference between appliances increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcurrent appliance operation capabilityVSAvoidinterference between appliances
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system applies different control parameters and algorithms to different end effector appliances based on their specific characteristics. Each appliance receives customized control treatment that accounts for its unique physical properties, constraints, and operational requirements, preventing interference while enabling concurrent operation of multiple diverse appliances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Loss of time

If camera reconfiguration is performed manually for each appliance, then the system is simple, but time is lost during reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera reconfiguration timeVSAvoidautomatic camera configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically configures camera views based on the identified end effector appliance. The control system receives appliance identification information and automatically adjusts camera parameters, angles, and active camera selection without requiring manual operator intervention. This automatic configuration eliminates time loss during appliance transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3332925B1Robot manipulator system
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 HARRIS CORP
  • EP3332925B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3332925B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3332925B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Robotic manipulator arm has an end portion to which one or more end effector appliances can be operably mounted for performing one or more manipulator arm operations. A control system has access to a plurality of different end effector appliance parameter sets which are respectively associated with the plurality of different end effector appliances. A user interface facilitates identification to the control system of one or more of the different end effector appliances which are installed on the manipulator arm. The control system is responsive to the identification to modify a control algorithm.