Protective Covering for Industrial Robot Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots' external sensors, particularly those used for detecting relative rotational movements, are susceptible to contamination and mechanical stress, leading to reduced signal quality, increased maintenance needs, and potential failure, which affects the robot's availability.
Innovation Solution
A protective covering device is designed to encase the sensor and indicator band, using a clamp connection and brushes to prevent contamination and wear, ensuring the sensor remains functional and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged outside the robot for detecting relative rotational movements, then measurement capability is improved, but susceptibility to contamination and mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective covering device is introduced as an intermediary between the external sensor and the contaminated environment. This covering includes a protective cap that encloses the sensor and indicator band, allowing the sensor to remain externally positioned for measurement while shielding it from chips and contamination during machining operations
Solution Approach 2:
The protective covering utilizes a flexible or semi-flexible shell structure that can accommodate the rotational movement of the sensor while maintaining protection. The covering device includes walls and caps that form a protective enclosure, allowing the sensor to function externally without direct exposure to harmful contaminants
2Reliability
If sensors are cleaned or replaced at regular intervals to avoid contamination, then sensor functionality is maintained, but robot availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective covering is installed in advance on the sensor before contamination occurs. This preliminary protective measure prevents contamination buildup during machining operations, eliminating the need for subsequent cleaning or replacement interventions and maintaining continuous robot operation
Solution Approach 2:
The protective covering acts as a cushioning barrier against contamination before it can affect the sensor. By providing this protective layer in advance, the sensor is shielded from chips and contaminants during machining, preventing the need for maintenance interruptions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective covering device is added to encase the sensor, then protection from contamination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective covering is divided into separate functional segments: a protective cap for the sensor head, side walls for lateral protection, and an indicator band protection section. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier assembly and maintenance while providing comprehensive protection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an industrial robot comprising at least one first member that is mounted on another part of the industrial robot via a first revolute joint, and an associated sensor unit for sensing the relative rotary movement between the first member and the other part. The sensor unit includes an active sensor head and a passive indicator strip which are equipped with a covering device in order to protect same against dirt.