Robot Power Transmission Sealing Against Detergent Ingress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power transmission devices in robots used for dishwashing processes face issues due to detergent scattering, which can lead to equipment malfunction and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A power transmission device is designed with specific gap portions between its internal and external spaces, sealed using food-grade grease to prevent detergent ingress and maintain operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power transmission devices are used in dishwashing robots, then the robot can perform cleaning operations, but detergent can scatter into the device causing malfunction and deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate in dishwashing environmentVSAvoiddevice malfunction due to detergent ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies sealing rings (flexible elements) at gap portions to create a barrier against detergent ingress. The sealing rings are installed in grooves at critical gap portions between internal and external spaces, forming a flexible seal that prevents detergent from entering the power transmission device while allowing the device to operate in the dishwashing environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the sealing solution into multiple discrete sealing rings positioned at specific gap portions throughout the power transmission device. Rather than a single comprehensive seal, multiple segmented sealing elements are placed at critical interfaces where detergent could penetrate, providing targeted protection at each vulnerability point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If sealing measures are added to prevent detergent ingress, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against detergentVSAvoidnumber of sealing components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies sealing rings only at specific gap portions where detergent ingress is most likely to occur, rather than sealing the entire device uniformly. This localized approach places sealing elements only where needed at critical interfaces, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effective protection against detergent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing rings are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be easily installed and removed. These relatively simple sealing elements serve as sacrificial protection, preventing detergent from reaching critical internal components, and can be replaced if deteriorated without complex disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 effectively reduces the impact of detergent on the power transmission device, preventing deterioration and ensuring continuous operation in environments where detergent splashes are common.

Implementation Method 1

food-grade grease that is applied to seal a specific gap portion, the specific gap portion being provided between an internal space and an external space of the power transmission device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS20250180122A1Power transmission device, and robot

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

There is provided a power transmission device incorporated into a robot that grips a cleaning target object or a cleaning member and that performs a process of cleaning the cleaning target object, the power transmission device including: food-grade grease that is applied to seal a specific gap portion, the specific gap portion being provided between an internal space and an external space of the power transmission device.