Robot Operation Terminal Force-Sensing Enable Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial robot operation terminals require continuous application of a specific force to maintain the enable switch in an intermediate position, leading to user fatigue and burden, as fluctuations in finger strength can disrupt the operation.
Innovation Solution
An operation terminal for industrial robots equipped with a safety switch that detects the pressing force applied to a safety operation member, allowing robot operation within a specified range and disallowing it outside this range, reducing the need for continuous force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional enable switch with contact structure is used, then safety function is achieved, but a large pressing force is required to maintain contact between contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact structure with a non-contact detection system using a sensor (such as a force sensor or capacitive sensor) to detect the pressing force applied to the operation member. This eliminates the need for physical contact between switches and contacts, thereby removing the requirement for continuous pressing force while maintaining the safety function through electronic detection and control signal transmission.
2Ease of operation
If the operator continuously applies force to maintain the enable switch in intermediate position, then manual operation is enabled, but user fatigue increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically maintains the enabled state once the operation member is pressed, without requiring continuous user force. The sensor detects the pressing force and the control unit maintains the operational state autonomously, allowing the user to perform other tasks while the robot remains controllable. The user only needs to press the operation member initially, and the system sustains the enabled state through its own detection and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic detection of the pressing force by the sensor, continuously monitoring the state of the operation member at regular intervals. This periodic detection allows the system to maintain the enabled state through intermittent verification rather than continuous force application, reducing user burden while ensuring safety through ongoing monitoring.
3Reliability
If the enable switch requires stable contact force, then safety is maintained, but fluctuations in finger strength cause operation disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from binary contact presence/absence to continuous pressing force magnitude measurement. The sensor measures the actual force applied, and the control unit compares it against a predetermined threshold range. This allows the system to accept a range of force values rather than requiring a single precise force level, accommodating natural variations in user finger strength while maintaining safety through threshold-based validation.
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 configuration reduces user fatigue by allowing operation with a smaller pressing force and enabling safer, more efficient manual robot operation by automatically adjusting to maintain the specified force range.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit (59) that detects the pressing force applied to the safety operation member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An operation terminal (15) for an industrial robot (11) is provided. The operation terminal (15) is provided with grippers (43) on both right and left ends thereof, which can be manually gripped by an operator. On the rear surface of the operation terminal, an operation device (57) which can be pressed by fingers of the operator who is now holding the grippers. A force applied to the operation device (57) is detected by a force sensor (59). An enable switch (49) includes the operation device (57) and the force sensor (59). When the pressing force detected by the force senor (59) is within a reference range, the robot is allowed to operate, while when the pressing force is smaller or larger than the reference range, the robot is disallowed to operate.