Robotic Sprayer Coupling With Deformable Ring for Vibration Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprayer attachment systems for robotic arms are prone to loosening and detachment due to vibrations, necessitating frequent disassembly, which disrupts operations and exposes components to paint fouling.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device featuring a deformable ring and helical connections that maintain mechanical integrity during vibrations, allowing quick and tool-free assembly and disassembly, with a design that isolates external surfaces from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thread-tapping assemblies are used to attach the sprayer to the robotic arm, then the assembly is simple and removable, but the vibrations cause loosening and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static threaded connection into a dynamic locking mechanism where the spring-loaded claw adapts to vibrations. The claw can move radially to maintain engagement with the groove, providing continuous adjustment to dynamic conditions rather than relying on a fixed threaded connection that loosens under vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device is divided into distinct functional components: the threaded connection for initial assembly, the spring-loaded claw for vibration resistance, and the groove for mechanical interlocking. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements - simplicity of assembly, resistance to loosening, and reliability under vibration respectively.
2Reliability
If multiple screwed assemblies are used to prevent loosening, then reliability under vibration improves, but disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic spring-loaded claw provides continuous vibration resistance through radial movement, eliminating the need for multiple static screwed assemblies. This single dynamic mechanism achieves the reliability of multiple connections while maintaining the speed of a single assembly operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded claw automatically adjusts to vibration conditions without requiring additional fastening operations. The system self-regulates under vibration through the spring force and claw movement, eliminating the need for operator intervention to tighten multiple screws or assemblies during operation.
3Ease of operation
If attachment elements are exposed to the exterior for easy assembly, then ease of operation improves, but paint particles accumulate and foul the surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment elements (threaded connection, claw, groove) are nested within the housing structure rather than being exposed externally. The housing acts as a protective envelope that contains the functional components, allowing them to remain accessible for assembly while being shielded from paint particle contamination in the spraying environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves as an intermediary structure between the attachment elements and the external spraying environment. It mediates between the need for accessible assembly and the need for protection from paint fouling, providing a controlled interface that allows operation while blocking harmful particles.
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
Prevents sprayer detachment from robotic arms due to vibrations, reduces disassembly time, and minimizes exposure to paint fouling, ensuring smooth operation and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable portion is deformed so as to interact with the interfacing portion of the flange so as to provide a connection between the flange and the ring
Implementation Method 2
a nut able to slide and rotate mounted on the cover, including a first helical portion, and a flange configured for being attached to another among the sprayer and the robotic arm, including a second helical portion arranged for mating with the first helical portion of the nut
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device configured for attaching a product sprayer for coating workpieces onto a robotic arm, the attachment device including a cover which is rigidly attached to the robotic arm and which has a substantially cylindrical shape extending along a longitudinal axis, a nut with a substantially cylindrical shape mounted on the cover and including a first helical portion, a substantially annular flange mounted rigidly attached to the sprayer, including a second helical portion arranged for mating with the first helical portion of the nut, and a deformable ring mounted on the nut and including an annular portion providing an axial stop of the ring with respect to the nut, and a deformable portion configured for being deformed by interacting with the flange so as to provide a connection between the flange and the ring.