Robot External Axis Power Control Safety Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling power supplies to external devices in industrial robots lack safety when user errors occur and are inconvenient due to inability to adapt to changes in work sequences.
Innovation Solution
A robot apparatus with a controller and external devices equipped with power switches and circuits, where the power switch operation takes priority over controller operation for shutting off power, and the controller monitors and adjusts power states to prevent errors and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the controller automatically controls power supplies to external devices, then the adaptability to work sequence changes is improved, but the safety against user errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automatic control mode (for normal operation) and manual control mode (for safety). The controller can automatically adjust power supplies according to work sequence changes, while also allowing operators to override and manually control power supplies when safety concerns arise, creating a flexible dual-mode control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms including display units that show the current control mode and power supply status, and error detection functions that monitor for contradictory operations. When an error is detected (e.g., automatic control attempting to power on a device while manual control is active), the system provides feedback to halt the conflicting operation and alert the operator
2Reliability
If the operator manually controls power switches, then the safety against accidental activation is improved, but the convenience of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the operator and the power supply system. It provides automatic control functions that simplify operation during normal work sequences, while also serving as a safety layer that can prevent accidental activation through error detection and confirmation requirements. The display unit serves as another intermediary, providing clear status information to help operators make informed decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically controlling power supplies according to pre-programmed work sequences, reducing the need for manual intervention during normal operation. Error prevention measures are also implemented in advance through the error detection function, which monitors for potential safety issues before they can cause problems
3Reliability
If the controller provides automatic error prevention, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a multi-functional device that combines automatic power supply control, error detection, display output, and communication with external devices into a single integrated system. This universal approach allows the controller to perform multiple safety and control functions without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Robot apparatus has a robot 1, a controller 2 for controlling the aforementioned robot 1 to perform working, and a plurality of external axis devices 4, 5 and 6 to be controlled by the aforementioned controller 2. The aforementioned external axis devices 4, 5 and 6 are provided with power switches 4b, 5b and 6b to be operated by an operator 9 so as to turn on/off power supplies thereto, and power supply circuits 4a, 5a and 6a to be operated from the aforementioned controller 2 so as to turn on/off the power supplies. Priority is given to operation using the aforementioned power switches 4b, 5b and 6b over operation from the aforementioned controller 2 as to turning off the power supplies to the external axis devices 4, 5 and 6.