Robot Protection Element With Sensor Mounting for Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot assemblies face challenges in providing reliable collision protection, particularly when the effector unit interacts with a workpiece, as distinguishing between desired interactions and undesired collisions is difficult.
Innovation Solution
The robot assembly incorporates a protection element fastened to the manipulator or effector unit, extending along the flange surface central axis and transverse direction, with a fastening interface for sensor units, allowing precise monitoring of the area around the effector unit for collision prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor units are mounted directly on the effector unit, then collision detection capability is improved, but the monitoring area is limited by the effector unit's structure and concealment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A protection element is introduced as an intermediary component between the effector unit and the sensor units. This protection element extends the mounting location for sensor units away from the effector unit, allowing sensors to monitor areas that would otherwise be concealed by the effector unit's structure. The protection element acts as a mediator that enables broader coverage without modifying the effector unit itself.
2Area of stationary object
If the protection element extends further along the flange surface central axis, then the monitored area around the effector unit increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection for the effector unit, acts as a mounting support for sensor units, and extends the monitoring coverage area. By combining these functions into a single component, the design avoids the need for separate protective structures and sensor mounting brackets, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving extended monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot assembly for processing and/or handling a workpiece is described. It comprises a manipulator unit with a flange surface, an effector unit which is mounted on the flange surface, and a protection element which is fastened to the manipulator unit and/or to the effector unit. The protection element has an extension component along a flange surface central axis and is positioned at least in portions next to the effector unit in the flange surface in the transverse direction. Furthermore, a fastening interface for fastening a sensor unit is provided on the protection element for collision protection. Alternatively, the protection element can be monitored by sensors for collision protection. A protection element for such a robot assembly is also presented. Also presented is a protection assembly comprising such a protection element and a distance sensor unit.