Robot Teaching Tablet Monitoring Safety Switch States

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing robot teaching operation apparatus lacks the ability to monitor the ON/OFF states of emergency stop and dead-man switches, compromising the reliability and safety of robot control, and fails to provide user-friendly displays and alerts.

Innovation Solution

A teach apparatus comprising a tablet and a safety operation device that are attachable and detachable, where the tablet monitors the ON/OFF states of emergency stop, dead-man, and mode switches, enhancing control reliability and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a general-purpose PDA is used to reduce production cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to monitor switch states and ensure safety is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidsafety of robot control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The PDA is enhanced with additional safety monitoring functions while maintaining its role as a general-purpose teaching device. The tablet now serves both as a standard teaching operation interface and as a safety monitoring device that detects switch states, enabling one device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated safety equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the PDA and the emergency stop command device. This connector enables bidirectional communication, allowing the PDA to receive notifications about switch states and attachment status, thereby bridging the gap between the general-purpose PDA and the safety-critical switching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the PDA is made detachable for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but continuous monitoring of switch states cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcontinuous monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the PDA continuously receives notifications about the attachment status of the emergency stop command device and the states of switches. This feedback loop ensures that even when the PDA is detachable, the system maintains awareness of safety-critical states and can alert the operator or take appropriate actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The PDA is configured to detect and respond to attachment and detachment events before they become critical issues. By monitoring the connection status proactively and providing advance notification, the system ensures continuous monitoring capability is maintained throughout the detachable operation cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10576638B2Teaching device

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 DMC CO LTD

AI summary

A teach apparatus (2) includes a tablet (3) and a safety operation device (4) which are attachable to and detachable from each other. The safety operation device (4) includes at least one of an emergency stop switch (41a), a dead-man switch (41b), and a mode switch (41c). The tablet (3) is configured to monitor the ON/OFF state of at least one of the first to third switches (41a) to (41c) of the safety operation device (4).