Low-Rigidity Protection Member for Industrial Robot Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human-cooperative industrial robots face challenges in detecting contact with workers over a wide range due to the limited range of tactile sensors, leading to complex sensor wiring and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A human-cooperative industrial robot design featuring a base unit, movable links, and a low-rigid protection member covering the circumference of the links, with external force detection sensors mounted on the links to detect forces through the protection member, reducing the need for high-density sensor arrangements and simplifying wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tactile sensors are arranged in high-density on the impact absorption section, then the detection range is improved, but the wiring complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorption section acts as an intermediary medium that transmits external force from the contact point to the detector. By using the elastic deformation of the impact absorption section to transmit force, the system achieves wide-area detection with a single detector, eliminating the need for multiple tactile sensors and complex wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tactile sensor system with an external force detection system that utilizes the elastic mechanical properties of the impact absorption section. Instead of using multiple electronic tactile sensors, the system uses the natural elastic deformation of the impact absorption section to transmit force information to a single detector
2Ease of operation
If the protection member is made with lower rigidity material, then the safety and ease of operation are improved, but the detection sensitivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the rigidity parameter of the impact absorption section to achieve a balance between safety and detection sensitivity. By selecting appropriate material rigidity, the impact absorption section can both protect workers during contact and effectively transmit external force to the detector for accurate detection
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 design enhances the sensitivity and reliability of external force detection, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures safer operations by gently increasing contact forces, allowing workers to evade safely without increasing the thickness of the protection member, thus maintaining operational range and preventing sensor damage.
Implementation Method 1
a protection member (11) composed of a material with a rigidity lower than rigidities of the base unit (1) and the movable unit (2-4) and covering a circumference of at least the movable unit (2-4)
Data Source
AI summary
A human-cooperative industrial robot having a base unit and a movable unit movably provided on or above the base unit. The robot includes a protection member composed of a material with a rigidity lower than rigidities of the base unit and the movable unit, the protection member covering a circumference of at least the movable unit of the base unit and the movable unit; and a detector provided on at least either the base unit or the movable unit to detect an external force input through the protection member.