Cable Management System for Robotic Rotary Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable-management systems for robots are inadequate in accommodating the increased working range of ±170 to ±290 degrees, leading to cable damage and limited mechanical displacement, especially in space-constrained robotic systems.
Innovation Solution
A double-layer cable-management system with circular tube-shaped guides and fixing members that secure cables in a U-shape along rotary shafts, allowing for ±290 degrees of rotation without damage, using static and moving guides made of plastic covers and sheet metal parts with elastic components for adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are fixed in a U-shaped and flat form to prevent friction, then cable wear is reduced, but the rotary shaft working range is limited within ±170 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat U-shaped cable arrangement to a three-dimensional circular arc configuration. The cables are arranged along a circular arc path with a specific radius, allowing them to accommodate the rotary shaft's movement through axial displacement rather than planar deformation. This dimensional change enables the rotary shaft to rotate over ±290 degrees while maintaining cable integrity and preventing excessive wear.
2Reliability
If a large and uniform bend radius is provided to minimize cable deformation, then cable longevity is improved, but the robotic system package space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cable management system where the cable guide structure moves axially in response to the rotary shaft's rotation. As the rotary shaft rotates through large angles, the cable guide displaces axially, dynamically adjusting the cable path length and bend radius. This dynamic adaptation maintains an optimal large bend radius throughout the rotation range, protecting cables from deformation while accommodating the compact robotic system package constraints.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a cable-management system, a rotary joint and a robot. The system holds a plurality of cables arranged in the rotary joint connected to an articulated arm having a first and a second rotary shaft portions (18, 19). The cables are divided into the outer group of cables (28) and the inner group of cables (29). The system comprises a first cable guide (40), a second cable guide (50) and at least four fixing members (60); the first cable guide has a circular tube-shaped space, and the outer group of cables is partly accommodated between the first cable guide and the second cable guide; the second cable guide has a circular tube-shaped space, and the inner group of cables is partly accommodated between the second cable guide and the first rotary shaft portion (18); the fixing members respectively secure both ends of the outer group of cables or the inner group of cables on and along the first and second rotary shaft portions (18, 19) in a form in which the cables are arranged in parallel with each other, so that remaining portions of the outer group of cables or the inner group of cables are bent and suspended along the first and second rotary shaft portions in a U-shape. Compared with the existing prior arts, the proposed solution is compact and enables a large rotation range.