Robotic Routing Mechanism Prevents Cable Tangling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face limitations in their range of motion due to collisions and tangling of external components such as wires and cables with internal and external structures, leading to task errors and damage, especially when operating in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
A routing mechanism with a flexible conduit and stability mounts is introduced to house and secure external components, allowing them to move freely while maintaining a stable position relative to the robotic arm, preventing collisions and tangling by controlling slack and maintaining a constant path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robotic arms move freely to utilize full range of motion, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but external components (wires, cables) collide with internal and external structures causing damage and task errors
Solution Approach 1:
A routing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the robotic arm's movement and the external components (wires, cables). This mechanism includes a routing element that guides and controls the path of external components, preventing them from colliding with the robotic arm's internal structures while allowing the arm to move freely through its full range of motion.
2Reliability
If external components are secured to maintain stable position, then reliability is improved, but the robotic arm's range of motion is limited due to collisions and tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The routing mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It includes a routing element that can move and adjust its position relative to the robotic arm's internal structures as the arm moves. This dynamic routing allows the external components to maintain stable positioning without restricting the robotic arm's range of motion, as the routing element adapts to changing spatial relationships during movement.
3Reliability
If routing mechanism is added to control external components, then component stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing element is designed as a flexible component that can bend and conform to various paths. This flexibility allows the routing mechanism to accommodate the robotic arm's movements without requiring complex rigid structures. The flexible nature of the routing element simplifies the overall mechanism while still effectively controlling and guiding external components through the robotic arm's range of motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and related methods for operating a robotic system with a routing mechanism is disclosed herein. The routing mechanism may surround external components that extend across a link and connect to an end effector. The routing mechanism may include guides, brackets, or a combination thereof configured to maintain the external components along a predetermined path relative to the link, the end effector, one or more corresponding joints, or a combination thereof during movement of the link and/or the end effector.