Robot Arm Torque Sensing for Accurate Liquid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots used in cooking environments face inconvenience as they rely on visual checks or water level sensors to measure liquid levels in containers, which can be inaccurate and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with a torque sensor and processor that calculates liquid levels by measuring torque values when a tool contacts the surface and bottom of the liquid, allowing for accurate level determination without the need for a water level sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual check or water level sensor is used to measure liquid level, then the robot can detect liquid level, but the measurement precision and ease of operation deteriorate due to inaccuracy and user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical water level sensors with a torque-based detection system. The robot arm's torque sensor measures the torque required to move the arm when the tool contacts the liquid surface or bottom, converting a mechanical interaction into a measurable torque signal that indicates liquid level.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot arm itself serves as the measurement tool by utilizing its own torque characteristics during movement. The system leverages the robot's inherent mechanical properties (torque during arm movement) to perform the liquid level detection function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors.
2Measurement precision
If water level sensor is installed in the liquid container, then liquid level can be measured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it can manipulate tools for cooking tasks and simultaneously serve as a liquid level detection device. The torque sensor on the robot arm provides dual-purpose data for both control feedback and liquid level measurement, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the liquid level detection function from the liquid container environment and relocates it to the robot arm system. Instead of placing sensors inside the container, the detection mechanism is moved to the robot arm, which interacts with the container through controlled movement and torque measurement.
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 precise measurement of liquid levels in containers, enhancing the robot's ability to manage liquids accurately and efficiently in cooking tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a torque sensor disposed on the robot arm and measuring a torque value of the robot arm
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a robot that calculates a level of liquid contained in a liquid container and a method for calculating such liquid level. The robot includes a robot arm to which a tool is attached to an end of the robot arm, a torque sensor disposed on the robot arm and measuring a torque value of the robot arm, and a processor that controls the robot arm and receives the torque value from the torque sensor and calculates information related to the torque value, and calculates the level value of liquid contained in the liquid container based on the information related to the torque value.