Robotic Latch Force Amplifier for High-Torque Door Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face limitations in effectively operating complex aperture closures due to insufficient strength, leverage, and torque output, particularly when dealing with sophisticated doors like watertight ship doors, which require significant torque to rotate locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A force application system comprising a driving pad attached to an actuable latch, a force application mechanism that amplifies input force to an output force, and a frame for engagement by a robotic arm, allowing the robotic arm to actuate the latch and move the closure between open and closed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a robotic arm directly operates an aperture closure latch, then the system structure is simple, but the force and torque output are insufficient to operate complex closures
Solution Approach 1:
A force amplifier mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the robotic arm and the latch. The force amplifier receives input force from the robotic arm and amplifies it to generate sufficient output force to operate the latch, resolving the contradiction by adding a mediating component that bridges the force deficiency without requiring fundamental changes to the robotic arm itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the robotic arm for positioning and input force application, the force amplifier for force multiplication, and the latch mechanism for aperture closure operation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the force amplifier specifically designed to provide the necessary force multiplication ratio
2Strength
If a force amplifier mechanism is added to amplify force, then the force output is sufficient to operate complex closures, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force amplifier employs a dynamic mechanical advantage system where the amplification ratio can be adjusted based on the operational requirements. The mechanism uses movable components that can change their configuration to provide variable force multiplication, allowing the system to adapt to different latch mechanisms and closure types without requiring multiple specialized amplifiers
3Power
If the robotic arm applies force directly to the latch, then the operation is simple, but the leverage and mechanical advantage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The force amplifier introduces a new dimensional aspect to the force application by converting linear motion from the robotic arm into rotational motion with amplified torque at the latch. This dimensional transformation enables the robotic arm to effectively operate latches that require high torque but would be difficult to operate directly with the arm's limited force output
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 system enables robotic arms to efficiently operate aperture closures by amplifying input force, overcoming the limitations of strength and torque, allowing for effective opening and closing of complex enclosures like watertight doors without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a force application mechanism configured to increase an input force to an amplified output force that is applied by the force application mechanism to the driving pad
Data Source
AI summary
A force application system for placement on and removal from an actuable latch with a robotic arm includes a driving pad configured for attachment to the actuable latch, a force application mechanism configured to increase an input force to an amplified output force that is applied by the force application mechanism to the driving pad, and a frame for engagement by the robotic arm.