Ceiling-Mounted Robot Arm Nesting Motor to Shorten Second Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling-mounted scalar robots face challenges in miniaturization due to structural limitations that prevent reduction in the length of the second arm, which houses the motor or reduction gear, hindering space-saving designs.
Innovation Solution
The robot design incorporates a first member with a narrower second portion and a driving unit in the second member, allowing for a shorter second arm length while maintaining rigidity through reinforcement units like ribs, and optimizing the shape and placement of these components to minimize weight and size without compromising mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the width of the first arm or second arm is decreased to miniaturize the robot, then the entire width of the robot is reduced, but the length of the second arm cannot be decreased due to structural constraints for housing the motor or reduction gear
Solution Approach 1:
The motor or reduction gear is nested within the hollow internal space of the second arm, allowing the driving unit to be accommodated without increasing the external dimensions of the second arm. This enables miniaturization of the overall robot while maintaining the necessary length of the second arm for structural integrity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the motor or reduction gear in the lateral direction (width) of the second arm, the design transitions to utilizing the internal hollow space along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the driving unit to be integrated without compromising the external dimensions or structural requirements of the second arm.
2Volume of moving object
If the second arm is shortened to miniaturize the robot, then the robot width is reduced, but the rigidity and mechanical strength of the connection portion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The motor or reduction gear is nested within the hollow internal space of the second arm, allowing the driving unit to be accommodated without increasing the external dimensions of the second arm. This enables miniaturization of the overall robot while maintaining the necessary length of the second arm for structural integrity and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second arm is divided into multiple sections with varying wall thicknesses, with thicker sections positioned at critical locations such as the connection portion to the first arm. This segmented approach maintains rigidity and mechanical strength where needed while allowing for overall miniaturization of the robot structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a first member, a second member which is provided on a first member and rotates around a rotation shaft, a driving unit which is provided in the second member, and an operation shaft which is driven by the driving unit and is provided in the second member, the first member includes a first portion and a second portion which has a smaller width than that of the first portion, when seen in a direction orthogonal to a plane including the rotation shaft and the operation shaft, and the second member is connected to the second portion.