Handheld Robot Teaching Interface With Interchangeable Task Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for programming industrial robots are complex, costly, and inflexible, making automation economically unattractive for small and medium-sized companies, and time-consuming for large companies, due to the need for specialized experts and manual programming of multiple components like end effectors, sensors, and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with an input unit for activating training, an output unit for external activation, and a detachable coupling structure for interchangeable attachments, allowing for the recording and playback of training data to generate fully integrated program code for autonomous machine execution, enabling cost-effective and flexible automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual programming by specialized experts is used, then programming precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a teaching pendant as an intermediary device between the operator and the robot controller. The teaching pendant provides a user-friendly interface with buttons, switches, and display that mediates the complex programming tasks, allowing operators to teach robot movements and operations without needing to write complex program code directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service programming through intuitive teaching procedures where operators can directly guide the robot through desired movements using the teaching pendant. The robot records these movements and operations automatically, eliminating the need for specialized programmers to manually write and debug complex code.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual programming is used, then programming precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The teaching pendant allows operators to perform preliminary actions by physically guiding the robot through the desired trajectory and operations. The system records these movements in real-time, creating the program through direct demonstration rather than time-consuming manual coding and simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual code writing and debugging with an electronic teaching system. The teaching pendant electronically captures movement data through sensors and encoders, automatically generating program code from physical demonstrations, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual programming steps.
3Ease of operation
If manufacturer-specific input devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The teaching pendant is designed as a universal device that can operate with different robot models and manufacturers. It provides standardized teaching functions that work across multiple robot types, eliminating the need for operator retraining when switching between different robot systems while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The teaching pendant incorporates dynamic adaptability through programmable buttons and switches that can be configured for different teaching modes and robot types. The device adapts its interface and functionality based on the specific robot being taught, providing ease of operation for each application while maintaining versatility across different systems.
4Measurement precision
If sensor systems are integrated into the robot, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensor systems directly into the teaching pendant and robot end effector, merging measurement functions with the existing teaching hardware. This combination allows precise measurement of position, force, and other parameters without adding separate complex sensor systems to the robot itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The teaching pendant acts as an intermediary that houses and manages sensor systems. By placing sensors in the pendant rather than the robot, the system achieves high measurement precision while keeping the robot itself simpler. The pendant mediates between the sensors and the robot controller, processing sensor data before transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a handheld device for training at least one movement and at least one activity of a machine. The handheld device may include a handle, an input unit configured to input activation information for activating the training of the machine, an output unit configured to output the activation information for activating the training of the machine to a device external to the handheld device, and a coupling structure for releasably coupling an interchangeable attachment configured according to the at least one activity.