Robotic Arm HMI With Dynamic Tactile Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic arms lack an ergonomic human-machine interface that can be controlled manually, limiting their usability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A robotic arm with a human-machine interface that incorporates a tactile sensor surface and a dynamic display system, allowing for manual control and collision detection through programmable input materials and optical highlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fixed display and control interface is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation and adaptability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic human-machine interface where the tactile sensor surface can be selectively activated in different partial surface sections depending on the robot arm's position and operational context. The configuration device dynamically reconfigures which areas of the tactile surface serve as input means, allowing the interface to adapt to changing operational requirements rather than using a fixed control layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile sensor surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both a collision detection surface and a configurable input interface for manual control. The same physical surface can be dynamically assigned different control functions based on the current operational state, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control surfaces and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If the tactile sensor surface is used for collision detection, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation for manual control deteriorates due to inability to distinguish inputs from collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the functional state of different partial surface sections of the tactile sensor. When a section is activated as an input means for manual control, collision detection is temporarily deactivated for that specific section. This dynamic functional switching allows the same physical surface to serve different purposes at different times without false signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional properties to different partial surface sections of the tactile sensor at different times. Each section can be locally configured as either an input means or a collision detection zone depending on the current operational context, allowing simultaneous optimization of both manual control and safety functions in different spatial regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed input interface is provided, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different operational modes and positions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration device implements dynamic reconfiguration of the tactile sensor surface based on the robot arm's current position, operational mode, and task requirements. The system automatically adapts which areas serve as input means versus collision detection zones, providing high adaptability without requiring manual reconfiguration by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically determining the appropriate functional assignment of tactile sensor sections based on its current operational state. The configuration device autonomously adjusts the interface without external intervention, reducing the burden on the operator while maintaining high adaptability to different operational contexts.
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 provides an ergonomic and efficient manual control system for robotic arms, enhancing usability and preventing unintended collisions by distinguishing between manual inputs and unintentional contact.
Implementation Method 1
optically highlight a partial surface section T of the tactile sensor surface 8.1 of the input means 8 by illuminating a corresponding partial surface section T of the tactile sensor surface 8.1 using the display means 7
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a robotic arm (2) comprising several joints (5) and several members (4) each connecting two adjacent joints (5) to one another, wherein at least one of these members (4) comprises a human-machine interface (6) comprising at least one display means (7, 7.2) which is designed to display at least one system state of the robotic arm (2) and/or of a control device (3) connected to the robotic arm (2) by means of control technology, and comprising at least one input means (8) which is designed to supply at least one manual input via the human-machine interface (6) to the robotic arm (2) and/or to a control device (3) connected to the robotic arm (2) by means of control technology, wherein the at least one input means (8) comprises a tactile sensor surface (8.1) located on an outer casing wall (M) of the member (4) and the at least one display means (7, 7.2) comprises a display surface (7.1) superimposed on the tactile sensor surface (8.1).