Robot Tool Connection Device with Safety Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot tool connection devices are not reliable and safe due to potential malfunctions in fluid-dynamic piston control, leading to pressure losses and tool dropping, which can cause damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of safety means, such as linear actuators and blocking members, that engage the piston in its active position to prevent displacement of clamping balls, ensuring the tool remains securely attached to the robot arm even in case of control failures or fluid pressure losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fluid-dynamic piston control is used to operate the clamping balls, then the device can be operated automatically and efficiently, but the reliability decreases due to potential pressure losses and control malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a safety device that prevents the harmful effect of pressure loss before it can cause tool dropping. The safety device includes a blocking member that can prevent the piston from moving, and a spring that exerts a blocking force on the piston rod, counteracting the fluid pressure that causes ball displacement. This preliminary counter-measure ensures that even if fluid pressure is lost, the clamping balls remain in position and the tool remains securely attached.
2Reliability
If safety means are added to prevent tool dropping, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety device with the existing piston mechanism by integrating the blocking member and spring into the same structural space. The blocking member is positioned within the piston assembly, and the spring is housed within the piston rod, combining multiple functions (clamping, blocking, and spring force application) into a single integrated unit rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a blocking member as an intermediary element that mediates between the piston and the clamping balls. The blocking member can selectively prevent the piston from moving, acting as an intermediate control element that translates the spring force into a blocking action on the piston rod, thereby preventing ball displacement without requiring direct intervention in the fluid pressure system.
3Productivity
If the piston is governed fluid-dynamically for quick operation, then productivity increases, but harmful factors increase due to pressure losses causing tool dropping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using a spring to store potential energy that can immediately counteract pressure loss. The spring is pre-compressed and ready to exert blocking force on the piston rod if fluid pressure is lost, cushioning against the harmful effect of pressure loss before it can cause the clamping balls to displace and the tool to drop. This provides a safety buffer that maintains clamping force even during fluid pressure interruptions.
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 solution enhances the reliability and safety of the connection device by preventing tool dropping and ensuring secure attachment, reducing the risk of damage and operator safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a piston, configured for co-operating with said balls and governed fluid-dynamically between a first position and a second position, where, in said second position, said piston forces said balls into said operative position
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting a tool to an arm of a robot, comprising: —a body (2; 32) having an annular wall provided with openings (6; 36), received within which are one or more balls (8; 38), which are mobile within said openings between an inoperative position and an operative position, in said operative position said balls projecting from said wall to engage corresponding portions of said tool and clamping the latter on said arm; and —a piston (4; 34), configured for co-operating with said balls and governed fluid-dynamically between a first position and a second position, wherein, in said second position, —said piston forces said-balls into said operative position, and, in said first position, said piston releases said balls so that they can move into said inoperative position. The device is characterized in that it comprises safety means (15, 55, 65, 75), which, in an active condition thereof, engage said piston (4; 34) in said second position so as to block it in said second position in order to prevent displacement of said balls into said inoperative position.