Collaborative Robot Tool Connector With Self-Locking Angled Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for collaborative robots are complex, expensive, and time-consuming to attach, particularly when connecting a vacuum source, gripping device, and controlling device, with a need for a simpler, faster, and user-friendly solution that is also thinner than prior art connectors.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a first portion attachable to a robot and a second portion attachable to a device, featuring a rotational system and a mechanical locking structure with angled contact surfaces for self-locking, along with snap-fit connections and adaptable attachment means like screws and adaptors, allowing easy and fast attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quick disconnect tooling apparatus with a releasable latch is used to securely connect the tool module to the base module, then the connection reliability is improved, but the connector thickness increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate modules: a base module that remains attached to the robot and a tool module that can be quickly detached and reattached. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, with the tool module being thin while maintaining secure connection through the standardized base module interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable latch mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component that enables quick connection and disconnection without requiring a thick overall connector structure. The latch engages with corresponding features on the base module to provide secure attachment while maintaining a compact profile.
2Reliability
If multiple separate connections (vacuum source, gripping device, controlling device) are made individually, then the connection reliability is improved, but the time required for attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions (mechanical attachment, vacuum connection, and control signals) are merged into a single integrated tool module that attaches to the base module in one operation. This eliminates the need to separately connect vacuum sources, gripping devices, and controlling devices, significantly reducing attachment time while maintaining reliable connections through the unified interface.
3Reliability
If a mechanical locking structure with angled contact surfaces is used to prevent detachment, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical locking structure utilizes the self-locking property of angled contact surfaces, where the geometry of the surfaces themselves provides the locking action through friction and normal forces. This eliminates the need for additional active locking mechanisms or complex control systems, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable prevention of accidental detachment.
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
The connector provides a user-friendly, fast, and cost-effective way to attach and detach devices from robots, ensuring a secure connection while being thinner and more efficient than prior art connectors, facilitating easier integration of tools like gripping devices.
Implementation Method 1
the surfaces are angled relative to the longitudinal axis in such a manner that the friction force between the contact surfaces has a magnitude that ensures that the resulting force acting on the protruding structure is sufficiently large to keep the protruding structure in engagement with the recess
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A connector (70) for mechanically connecting a device (2) to a robot (20), wherein the connector (70) comprises a first portion (74) configured to be attached to the robot (20) and a second portion (76) configured to be attached to a device (2) configured to be connected to the robot (20). The first portion (74) and the second portion (76) are detachably attached to each other by means of: a) a first connection portion (1) constituting a rotational system comprising a pivot (116) about which the first portion (74) can rotate with respect to the second portion (76) and b) a second connection portion (1') constituting a mechanical locking structure that prevents the first portion (74) and the second portion (76) from being detached from each other.