Robot Tool Changer Using Electromagnet and Groove Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot tool changing systems rely on pneumatic equipment, which is costly and requires additional facilities like compressors, solenoids, and pneumatic lines, limiting their precision and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A robot tool changing system that combines a master and a slave using a magnet or electromagnet for secure attachment, with a protrusion and combination groove design, and a plate displacement measuring module to ensure precise alignment and firm connection without pneumatic equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic equipment is used to drive the tool changer, then the tool changing system can operate, but the cost increases and additional facilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system with a magnetic field-based system. An electromagnet generates a magnetic field that directly acts on the ferromagnetic tool holder, eliminating the need for pneumatic cylinders, compressors, solenoid valves, and pneumatic lines. This substitution of mechanical/pneumatic actuation with electromagnetic actuation resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational reliability while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the pneumatic equipment from the tool changing system. By using a magnetic field to directly hold and actuate the tool holder, the system eliminates the entire pneumatic subsystem including compressors, valves, and piping, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the essential tool changing function.
2Reliability
If conventional pneumatic tool changers are used, then tool changing can be performed, but precision and cost-effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic actuation system with an electromagnetic system that provides more precise control. The electromagnet can be controlled with high precision through electrical signals, enabling accurate positioning and alignment of the tool holder with the robot flange, thereby improving measurement and alignment precision compared to conventional pneumatic systems.
3Reliability
If pneumatic equipment is used, then the tool changer can function, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive pneumatic equipment with a more cost-effective electromagnetic system. The electromagnet and associated control circuitry are simpler and less expensive than compressors, pneumatic valves, and extensive pneumatic piping. This substitution maintains reliable tool changing operation while significantly reducing the overall system cost and simplifying manufacturing.
4Ease of manufacture
If a magnetic field is used to combine master and slave, then cost is reduced and precision is improved, but firm attachment must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the magnetic field to control the attachment strength. By adjusting the current through the electromagnet, the magnetic field strength can be varied to provide sufficient holding force for firm attachment. The system can increase magnetic field strength when attachment is required and decrease it when tool changing is needed, thereby achieving both cost reduction and adequate attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic system provides controlled magnetic attraction that can be precisely regulated to achieve firm attachment. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that strongly attracts the ferromagnetic tool holder, providing attachment strength comparable to or exceeding pneumatic systems, while eliminating the need for expensive pneumatic equipment.
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
Enables a cost-effective and precise combination of master and slave units, eliminating the need for high-priced pneumatic equipment and providing a robust attachment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet (or an electromagnet) is arranged in a combining site of a master and a slave so as to fasten the master and the slave to each other
Implementation Method 2
the master combining with at least one slave includes a body and a protrusion protruding in one direction from the body and inserted into a combination groove of the slave, and may include an electromagnet arranged in a predetermined internal region of the protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
A slave combining with a master in a robot tool changing system is disclosed. The slave includes a combination groove into which a protrusion of the master is inserted, at least one plate displacement measuring module arranged at a circumferential edge of a hole of the combination groove, and a slave communicator for communicating with the master. Accordingly, a robot tool changing system including an artificial intelligence (AI) function and performing 5G communications may be provided.