Robot Motion Synchronization for Work Module Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot systems face accuracy degradation due to vibrations caused by the movement of work modules, which can be exacerbated by the force of the work module against the robot, leading to potential misalignment and reduced precision in tasks like laser machining.

Innovation Solution

A robot system with a control circuitry that synchronizes the motion of the robot and work apparatus to cancel the force generated by the work module's movement, eliminating or minimizing vibrations by making a counter-movement in the XYZ coordinate system, thus maintaining accuracy without the need for additional anchor or vibration-proof mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the work module moves at high speed, then productivity is improved, but vibrations are generated causing manufacturing precision to deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework speedVSAvoidwork accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism that generates a force opposite to the movement reaction force of the work module. The counterweight moves in coordination with the work module to balance the reaction force, thereby reducing vibrations while maintaining high-speed operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Manufacturing precision

If a movable anchor member is added to eliminate movement reaction force, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the counterweight function with the existing robot arm structure. The counterweight is integrated into the robot arm's movement mechanism, allowing it to perform both positioning and counterbalancing functions simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity compared to separate anchor mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If additional vibration-proof mechanisms are added, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration-proof mechanisms (such as dampers, isolators, or anchor members) with a control-based approach. The control circuitry calculates and commands the counterweight movement to actively balance reaction forces, substituting passive mechanical vibration suppression with active control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution effectively reduces vibrations, enhances the accuracy of the work apparatus by eliminating the need for additional mechanisms, and maintains precision in tasks such as laser machining by synchronizing the robot's motion to counteract the force caused by the work module's movement.

Implementation Method 1

the force generated by moving the work module by the work apparatus... control circuitry is configured to control the robot to move so as to reduce a force generated by moving the work module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS11220004B2Robot system
Publication Date: 2022.01.11 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • US11220004B2 patent drawing
  • US11220004B2 patent drawing
  • US11220004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A robot system includes a work apparatus, a robot, and control circuitry. The work apparatus is configured to move a work module relatively to the work apparatus. The work module is configured to perform work. The work apparatus is connected the robot. The control circuitry is configured to control the robot to move so as to reduce a force generated by moving the work module by the work apparatus.