Articulated Robot Sealing Apparatus Gap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing structures in articulated robots are complex, bulky, and costly due to high friction, which increases the expense and assembly effort of the robot.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus is implemented where a seal is directly disposed in the gap between two enclosures, utilizing an elastomer compressed by the seal and the second enclosure to achieve sealing, thereby simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seals with complex designs are used in the output shaft of the driving device, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the complex output shaft seal structure and relocates it to a simpler gap sealing arrangement between enclosures. The seal is removed from the driving device output shaft and repositioned to seal the gap between the first and second enclosures, eliminating the need for complex seal designs in the driving device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function with the enclosure structure itself. Instead of using separate complex seals in the driving device, the sealing is integrated into the gap between enclosures where the elastomer and seal work together as a unified sealing system, simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If conventional bulky seals with high friction are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the bulky conventional seals and implements it through a simpler elastomer compression mechanism between enclosures. This extraction eliminates the need for complex seal assemblies and reduces manufacturing and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from high-friction conventional seals to an elastomer-based compression system. The elastomer material properties and compression parameters enable effective sealing with lower friction and simpler assembly, transforming the sealing approach from mechanical friction-based to elastic deformation-based.
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 approach effectively seals the gap between the enclosures with a simpler design, reducing the overall cost and assembly complexity of the robot while maintaining effective protection against water and dust.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer may be compressed by the seal and the second enclosure such that the gap may be sealed by the seal and the elastomer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~3d
AI summary
A sealing apparatus for a robot and an articulated robot utilizing the sealing apparatus are provided. The sealing apparatus (100) includes a first enclosure (10) and a second enclosure (20). The second enclosure (20) may be rotatably connected to the first enclosure (10) such that the first enclosure (10) and the second enclosure (20) cooperatively define a gap (50) between the first enclosure (10) and the second enclosure (20). The sealing apparatus (100) may further include a seal (30) disposed in the gap (50) such that the seal (30) and the second enclosure (20) cooperatively define a chamber (331). The sealing apparatus (100) also includes an elastomer (40) disposed in the chamber (331). The elastomer (40) may be compressed by the seal (30) and the second enclosure (20) to generate an elastic force that presses the seal (30) against the first enclosure (10).