Robotic Finger Elastic Buffering for Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic hands are complex in structure and lack damage-proof capabilities, making them unsuitable for certain industrial applications where simplicity and durability are essential.
Innovation Solution
A simplified robotic finger design incorporating a phalanx portion, a driving device with a rotating member, a connection assembly, and an elastic member that allows for flexion and extension through a rope and sliding mechanism, providing a compact structure and shock absorption to prevent damage from external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional robotic hand structures are used, then grasping functionality is achieved, but structural complexity increases and damage-proof capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic finger is divided into multiple phalanx portions (proximal, intermediate, distal) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to be simpler in structure while collectively achieving complex grasping movements, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining functionality and improving reliability through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic member is pre-installed between the proximal phalanx portion and the driving device to provide beforehand cushioning against external shocks. This elastic element absorbs impact forces before they can damage the driving device or other critical components, enhancing damage-proof capability without adding structural complexity
Solution Approach 3:
The connection assembly incorporates a sliding rod that can dynamically adjust its position along the sliding groove, allowing the system to adapt to varying external forces. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the finger to flex under shock loads while maintaining precise control during normal operation, balancing simplicity with reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If simplified robotic finger structure is used, then manufacturing ease and compactness improve, but damage protection from external forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is integrated into the simplified structure as a standard component between the proximal phalanx and driving device, providing shock absorption without complicating the manufacturing process. This beforehand cushioning protects vulnerable components from external forces while maintaining ease of assembly and manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as a flexible element within the simplified structure, allowing the finger to deform elastically under external shocks rather than rigidly failing. This flexibility provides damage protection while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture
3Strength
If rigid finger structure is used, then structural strength is improved, but ability to absorb shocks and flex under external forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is positioned to absorb external shocks before they reach the rigid driving device and phalanx portions. This beforehand cushioning allows the rigid structural components to maintain their strength while the elastic element handles the shock absorption, preventing damage from hard impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a purely rigid structure to a hybrid structure by introducing the elastic member, changing the mechanical parameters of the system. This allows the structure to exhibit both rigidity (for strength) and elasticity (for shock absorption) depending on the applied load, resolving the contradiction between strength and shock absorption
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 design achieves flexible and extendable finger movement with reduced components, enhanced durability through elastic buffering, and a non-limit operating state for the driving device, preventing damage from hard shocks and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (34) received in the sliding groove (311) and having two opposite ends that respectively abut against the base (331) and an inner surface of a second end
Implementation Method 2
a sliding rod (33) including a base (331) slidably received in the sliding groove (311)
Implementation Method 3
The rope 40 is used to pull the one of the at least two phalanxes 11 to rotate when pulled by the housing 31
Data Source
AI summary
A finger of a robotic hand includes a phalanx portion including at least two phalanxes rotatably coupled to each other, a driving device including a rotating member, a connection assembly including a housing defining a sliding groove that includes a first end and a second end defining a through hole that is in communication with the sliding groove, a cap connected to the housing at the first end, a sliding rod comprising a base slidably received in the sliding groove and a rod protruding from the base, and an elastic member received in the sliding groove and having opposite ends that respectively abut against the base and an inner surface of the second end, and a rope including two opposite ends respectively connected to the cap and one of the at least two phalanxes.