Robotic Tool Attachment Interface for Rapid Remote Tool Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic manipulators require complex and time-consuming processes to change end effectors for different functions, limiting their versatility and increasing costs, especially in applications like unmanned underwater vehicles where single-function operation is common.
Innovation Solution
A tool attachment system that allows rapid and remote replacement of tools without changing the end effector, featuring a housing that prevents relative rotational movement with the robotic manipulator, an input shaft for engagement by the end effector, and a transmission unit for adjusting rotational speed and direction, enabling increased functionality and autonomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If end effectors are replaced to change robotic manipulator functions, then functionality is improved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tool functionality from the end effector structure. Instead of replacing the entire end effector, only the tool attachment (segment) is replaced. The end effector body remains fixed while tool attachments can be quickly exchanged, reducing the complexity of the replacement process while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal end effector design is created that can accommodate multiple different tool attachments. The standardized interface allows one end effector to perform multiple functions by simply changing the tool attachment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized end effectors and simplifying the replacement process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If end effectors are replaced to change robotic manipulator functions, then task variety is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tool attachments are pre-configured on the tool changer device before the robotic manipulator needs them. The tool changer maintains a ready supply of different tools, allowing for rapid exchange without requiring complex real-time assembly or configuration, thus reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool attachment acts as an intermediary component between the universal end effector and the specific task requirements. This intermediary layer allows for quick tool changes without affecting the end effector itself, enabling fast task transitions while maintaining task variety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized end effectors are manufactured for different functions, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal end effector design is manufactured to work with multiple tool attachments. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple specialized end effectors, each with unique features and tolerances. The standardized interface and modular tool attachments reduce manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to perform various functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manufacturing completely different end effectors for each function, the system uses a base universal end effector that is copied or replicated with minor modifications to create compatible tool attachments. This reduces manufacturing costs by reusing the same core design and production processes across different tool variants.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool attachment (200) for a robotic manipulator (100), includes a housing (202), an input shaft (208) configured to be engaged by an end effector (105) of the robotic manipulator (100), an output shaft (210), and a tool (214) coupled to the output shaft (210). The housing (202) includes at least one slot or at least one projection for preventing relative rotational movement between the housing (202) and a housing of the robotic manipulator (100). Upon engagement of the end effector (105) of the robotic manipulator (100) with the input shaft (208), the tool attachment (200) is retained on the robotic manipulator (100), and rotational movement of the end effector (105) of the robotic manipulator (100) acts to rotate said input shaft (208) and drive said tool (214).