Robotic Arm Tool Changer Safety Control Using Wireless RFID Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tool changing systems for robotic arms face challenges in ensuring safe decoupling and coupling operations, leading to wear and tear on coupling means and the need for frequent maintenance, particularly in small-sized tool changers, and there is a risk of unsafe decoupling due to software defects or human error.
Innovation Solution
A safety control apparatus with a first module associated with the robotic arm and a second module associated with the tool, using wireless communication to transmit safety signals, ensuring safe decoupling or coupling only when specific safety conditions are met, and incorporating RFID technology to distinguish tools and prevent unauthorized decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless communication is used for safety signals, then wear and tear on coupling means is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling means with wireless communication (RFID technology) to transmit safety signals between the robotic arm and tool. This eliminates physical contact and wear on coupling mechanisms while maintaining safety control through electronic signal verification before decoupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system that mediates between the robotic arm and tool. Safety signals are transmitted through this intermediary channel, allowing verification of safety conditions without direct mechanical coupling, thus reducing wear while adding communication infrastructure complexity.
2Reliability
If safety verification is implemented before decoupling, then unsafe decoupling is prevented, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by verifying safety signals through wireless communication before the actual decoupling operation occurs. The system checks safety conditions in advance and only permits decoupling when verification is complete, preventing unsafe operations while maintaining efficient execution through pre-validation.
3Reliability
If RFID technology is used to distinguish tools, then unauthorized decoupling is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or manual tool identification methods with RFID technology. Wireless RFID tags and readers enable automatic, accurate tool identification and verification without physical contact, preventing unauthorized decoupling while reducing mechanical complexity compared to traditional coupling mechanisms.
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
This solution eliminates wear and tear on coupling means, reduces maintenance needs, and ensures safe operation by verifying safety signals before allowing decoupling or coupling, enhancing safety and reliability in tool changing processes.
Implementation Method 1
said second module being configured to wirelessly transmit said at least one safety signal to the first module
Implementation Method 2
incorporating RFID technology to distinguish tools and prevent unauthorized decoupling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A safety control apparatus (100) for a tool changing device of a robotic arm is described, said apparatus being configured to allow the decoupling or the coupling between robotic arm (5) and tool (6) safely. The safety control apparatus comprises: - a first module (101) associated with the robotic arm, - a second module (102) associated with the tool, - means (103) associated with a tool parking station (30) adapted to prevent or allow the creation of said safety signal in said second module, said second module being configured to wirelessly transmit said at least one safety signal to the first module, said first module being configured to allow the decoupling or the coupling between robotic arm and tool in response to the reception of said at least one safety signal.