Robotic Arm Interchange Mechanism for Rapid End Effector Swap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot systems require significant manual effort and time for changing End Effectors and tools, leading to complex, inflexible, and non-scalable configurations that are time-consuming and prone to manual errors during setup and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A simple interchange mechanism featuring torsion spring-loaded levers, a magnetic steel plate, and electromagnets, along with a gripper system, allows for quick and accurate attachment and detachment of End Effectors to the Master robot arm, eliminating the need for complex alignment and enabling automated configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration change is used for End effector exchange, then setup accuracy can be achieved, but significant manual effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-aligning features including alignment pins and guide slots that automatically position the End effector correctly during exchange, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations while maintaining high positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated latching mechanism that uses alignment pins, guide slots, and spring-loaded latches to automatically position and secure the End effector, reducing both time and manual effort
2Measurement precision
If complex alignment process is used for latching position, then attachment accuracy is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and latching function is divided into separate modular components: alignment pins for positioning, guide slots for directional guidance, and spring-loaded latches for securing. This segmentation simplifies each component's design while maintaining overall system accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment pins act as intermediary elements that mediate between the End effector and Master arm, providing precise positioning without requiring complex alignment mechanisms. The pins physically guide the components into correct relative positions during the exchange process
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration change is used, then setup precision can be achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism uses spring-loaded dynamic latches that automatically engage and disengage during End effector exchange. The springs provide the force needed for reliable latching without requiring manual intervention, enabling rapid configuration changes while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-latching through spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically secure the End effector to the Master arm without manual operation. This self-service capability maintains attachment reliability while dramatically reducing the time required for configuration changes
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 mechanism enables rapid, reliable, and scalable End Effector changes, reducing manual intervention and ensuring stable attachment, even in varying sizes and weights, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and flexibility of the robot system.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic steel plate (34) mounted at the centre of the end effector (15) to enable a stable and sturdy mechanical fixation to an electromagnet (33) mounted on the Master arm (20)
Implementation Method 2
a pair of torsion spring (32) loaded levers (35) that can rotate around their respective circular axis up to a predetermined angle
Data Source
AI summary
A simple interchange mechanism is provided for a robot arm to reliably, quickly and consistently change over from one end effector to another for the purpose of executing multiple tasks without the need to install different robots. The interchange mechanism incorporates mechanical and electromagnetic elements at three different areas that work synchronously, resulting in a flexible and scalable architecture that is simple yet stable, and adaptable to different configurations of the robot.