Robot Manipulator Tool Changer with Magnetic Power Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool changers for robot manipulators are complex, costly, and require separate actuators for each tool, with reducers needing frequent replacement for different reduction ratios, leading to high manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A tool changing system for robot manipulators that uses magnetic coupling to transmit power between a master and a slave, eliminating the need for pneumatic or electric motors and separate actuators, and simplifies the structure by using magnets for power transmission and reducer coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pneumatic or electric motors are used to couple and decouple master and slave in existing tool changers, then the tool changing system can perform automatic tool replacement, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pneumatic or electric motors from the tool changer structure, extracting the complicated power transmission components while retaining the essential tool replacement function through direct mechanical coupling and decoupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic/electric motor-based power transmission system with a purely mechanical coupling system that uses magnetic attraction for holding tools, eliminating the need for complex electrical terminals and control systems
2Extent of automation
If pneumatic or electric motors are used for coupling and decoupling master and slave, then automatic tool changing is achieved, but electrical terminals are damaged and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical terminals and power transmission components from the tool changer, eliminating the source of terminal damage while maintaining automatic tool changing capability through mechanical and magnetic mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler mechanical coupling system with magnetic holding that does not rely on fragile electrical terminals, effectively replacing the need for durable electrical connections with a more robust mechanical system
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuators are mounted to each tool for operation, then each tool can perform its specific function, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the master actuator universal by enabling it to drive multiple different tools through the slave interface, eliminating the need for separate actuators on each tool while maintaining full functionality of all tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple tool actuation functions into a single master actuator system, where one actuator controls the slave which in turn controls various tools, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate actuators
4Productivity
If reducers with fixed reduction ratios are used, then each reducer provides a specific reduction ratio, but multiple reducers must be replaced for different reduction ratios, increasing cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a variable reduction ratio mechanism that allows the reducer to be dynamically adjusted between different reduction ratios without replacement, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal reducer that can provide multiple reduction ratios through a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized reducers and simplifying the overall system configuration
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 system reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, simplifies the attachment and detachment process, and provides a contactless coupling that protects components from damage, while allowing easy interchange of tools with different reduction ratios.
Implementation Method 1
transmission of rotating force between the master and the slave may be performed by magnetism through magnetic coupling
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool changing system of a robot manipulator is proposed. The tool changing system includes: a master (100) coupled to an end of the robot manipulator at a first side thereof; and a slave (200) coupled to a tool (300) at a first side thereof and coupled removably to a second side of the master (100) at a second side thereof, wherein the master (100) includes an actuator (140) and a master magnet (130) rotating according to the rotation of the actuator (140), and the slave (200) includes a slave magnet (230) rotating in synchronization with the rotation of the master magnet (130) by magnetism therebetween with the master (100) and the slave (200) coupled to each other, whereby the rotating force of the slave magnet (230) as a rotating force necessary for operating the tool (300) is transmitted to the tool (300).