Robot Power Harness Layout for High-Current Flexible Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power harnesses for robots with movable parts face challenges in efficiently routing and accommodating multiple cables while maintaining flexibility and reducing the size of the rectilinear mechanism, particularly when high current is required.
Innovation Solution
A power harness comprising a connection cable made of multiple small-diameter cables arranged in parallel, connected by a carrier that allows for reduced bending radius and efficient space utilization, enabling flexible movement and reduced size of the rectilinear mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple cables are routed through a movable part using a flat section arrangement, then the harness can be moved and bent in a flat space, but the overall diameter and space required for routing increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small-diameter cables are bundled together to form a single connection cable assembly, merging multiple cable functions into one integrated structure that can be routed through the movable part while maintaining flexibility and reducing overall space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The connection cable is segmented into multiple small-diameter cables arranged in parallel, allowing each cable to be thin and flexible while the collective assembly provides sufficient current capacity and can be routed through compact spaces with reduced bending radius
2Reliability
If a single thick cable is used to transmit high current, then the allowable current requirement is met, but the cable diameter increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single thick cable is divided into multiple small-diameter cables arranged in parallel, where each cable carries a portion of the total current. This segmentation maintains the required current capacity while reducing the diameter of individual cables and improving flexibility for routing through movable parts
Solution Approach 2:
The cable configuration changes from a single thick cable to multiple thin cables in parallel, transforming the physical parameters while maintaining the electrical parameter (total allowable current) through the relationship that the sum of individual cable current capacities equals the required total capacity
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
The solution allows for efficient power transmission with reduced cable diameter, minimizing maintenance needs and costs, while optimizing space usage and enhancing the lifespan of cables.
Implementation Method 1
A sum of allowable current values of all the small-diameter cables satisfies an allowable current value of the connection cable
Data Source
AI summary
A power harness includes: a first connector connectable to a power supply; a second connector connectable to a power connector provided at a single actuator; and a connection cable that connects the first connector and the second connector to each other. At least a lengthwise section of the connection cable is a movable region constituted of a plurality of small-diameter cables arranged parallel to each other. A sum of allowable current values of all the small-diameter cables satisfies an allowable current value of the connection cable.