Robotic Arm Radar Envelope for Barrier-Free Collaborative Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated equipment in collaborative environments relies on physical and electronic barriers that are time-consuming to set up, calibrate, and can be ineffective due to human interference or inadequate coverage, hindering collaboration between humans and automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative robot guarding system utilizing radar sensors mounted on articulated arms, which dynamically adjust their scanning zone based on motion characteristics to detect obstacles and humans, enabling agile and adaptive navigation and trajectory planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical and electronic barriers are installed around automated equipment, then safety is improved, but setup time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical barriers (mechanical system) with radar-based sensing and dynamic trajectory planning (electromagnetic field and control system). The radar sensors mounted on the robotic arm detect obstacles without requiring physical fencing, and the controller dynamically adjusts the trajectory to avoid detected objects, eliminating the need for time-consuming barrier installation and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic barrier-free safety by continuously adjusting the robotic arm's trajectory in real-time based on radar detection. Instead of static physical barriers, the system dynamically recalculates safe paths around detected obstacles and humans, allowing the workspace to remain open while maintaining safety through adaptive motion control.
2Reliability
If physical barriers are used to protect automated equipment, then safety is improved, but ease of operation and collaboration deteriorate due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical barriers that restrict human access with radar-based detection and dynamic trajectory adjustment. The radar sensors mounted on the robotic arm create a virtual safety zone that does not physically block human operators, allowing them to freely access the workspace while the controller ensures the robotic arm maintains safe distances from detected humans and obstacles.
3Measurement precision
If radar sensors are mounted on the robotic arm, then obstacle detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radar sensing function with the robotic arm structure by mounting the radar sensors directly on the arm. This integration allows the sensors to move with the arm and maintain optimal positioning for obstacle detection, improving detection precision without requiring separate fixed sensor arrays. The controller integrates radar data with motion control, combining multiple functions into a unified system.
4Area of stationary object
If broad space illumination is used to detect all objects, then detection coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases and collaboration is defeated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic radar sensor activation based on the robotic arm's motion characteristics. Instead of continuously illuminating the entire workspace, the radar sensors are activated only when and where needed based on the arm's current position, velocity, and acceleration. This dynamic approach maintains comprehensive detection coverage while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous broad-space illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic radar sensing intervals adjusted according to the robotic arm's motion state. During high-speed movement or when approaching potential obstacle zones, radar scanning frequency increases. During stable operation or in clear zones, scanning frequency decreases or sensors are temporarily deactivated, creating a periodic action pattern that balances detection coverage with energy efficiency.
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
This solution enhances safety and efficiency by allowing automated systems to navigate dynamically within collaborative spaces, avoiding obstacles and humans while maintaining effective operation without the need for extensive barrier setups, thus improving collaboration and reducing setup times.
Implementation Method 1
A collaborative robot guarding system utilizing radar sensors mounted on articulated arms
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic transport system including a drive section connected to a frame. An articulated arm coupled to the drive section providing the arm with arm motion in a collaborative space, corresponding to the frame, from a first location, in which the arm has a first shape, to another different location of the arm in the collaborative space in which the arm has another different shape. An electromagnetic affection envelope borne by the arm so that the electromagnetic affection envelope is defined by the arm and is close coupled and substantially conformal to at least part of a dynamic contour of each different arm shape of the arm. A controller connected to the drive section and configured so that in response to detection of entry of a collaborative object into the electromagnetic affection envelope, the controller commands a change in at least one predetermined characteristic of the arm motion.