Integrated Robot Tool-Change Mount to Cut Weight and Parts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting operating units to robot arms require multiple components and complex tool-change devices, leading to increased weight, dimensions, and production costs.
Innovation Solution
An operating unit with a connection member integrated into its supporting structure that directly connects to the tool-change device on the robot arm, featuring a hollow body with an opening for the cylindrical head and an inner seat for blocking elements, allowing for simplified electrical and hydraulic/pneumatic connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate first annular body is used to connect the operating unit to the robot arm, then the connection function is achieved, but the number of components increases leading to increased weight, dimensions, and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection member with the supporting structure of the operating unit, creating an integrated component that serves both as structural support and connection interface. This eliminates the need for a separate first annular body, thereby reducing the total number of components, weight, and production costs while maintaining the connection function to the robot arm wrist.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the tool and simultaneously serves as the connection interface for the tool-change device. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If a separate first annular body is used for connection, then the connection function is achieved, but the overall dimensions of the operating unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the connection member into the supporting structure, the patent eliminates the need for additional external connection components that would increase the overall volume. The merged design allows the connection interface to be incorporated within the existing structural footprint.
3Device complexity
If a separate first annular body is used for connection, then the connection function is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the connection member with the supporting structure reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inventoried. This leads to lower production costs through reduced manufacturing complexity, fewer assembly operations, and simplified supply chain management.
4Reliability
If blocking elements project from the head during operation, then secure fixing is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking elements are designed to be automatically actuated during the tool-change operation itself, without requiring separate control mechanisms. The insertion motion of the first annular body into the second annular body automatically triggers the blocking elements to engage or disengage, making the fixing mechanism self-actuating and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an operating unit that can be connected to a wrist of a robot arm, including: a tool, and a supporting structure carrying the tool, wherein the supporting structure includes a connection member via which the operating unit can be operatively connected in a releasable way to said the of the robot arm, wherein the connection member has an opening on an end wall thereof, which is configured to receive a head of a connection device associated to the wrist of the robot arm, and wherein the connection member includes an internal seat accessible through the opening and configured to receive blocking elements carried by the head so as to enable fixing of the operating unit to the wrist of the robot arm.