Separable Robotic Tool Interface for Secure Tool-Free Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic arms require human intervention and tools for toolhead changes, which is impractical in hazardous, space-limited, or environmentally challenging environments due to the need for secure and reliable attachment mechanisms for various toolheads.
Innovation Solution
A separable robotic interface with a carrier and probe portion, utilizing a spring-loaded plug, ball bearings, and axial lock features, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of toolheads without human intervention, enabling tool-free replacement and power/data connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical grippers are used to capture objects, then secure attachment is achieved, but human intervention and tools are required for toolhead changes
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into a carrier portion (attached to robotic arm) and a probe portion (attached to toolhead), allowing independent replacement of toolheads without affecting the robotic arm. The ball bearings are segmented into individual units that can be independently engaged and disengaged, enabling rapid toolhead changes while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface enables self-servicing through automated ball bearing engagement and disengagement mechanisms. The spring-loaded ball bearings automatically engage with recesses in the probe portion when the toolhead is attached, and can be disengaged by applying axial force in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for human intervention or external tools during toolhead replacement.
2Reliability
If permanent attachment mechanisms are used, then secure locking is achieved, but toolhead replacement requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from static permanent locking to dynamic reversible locking. Ball bearings provide secure locking when engaged, but can be quickly disengaged by applying axial force in the opposite direction. This dynamic characteristic allows the interface to maintain strong attachment during operation while enabling rapid toolhead replacement without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball bearings are pre-positioned in the carrier portion and spring-loaded to automatically engage with recesses in the probe portion when the toolhead is attached. This preliminary positioning and automatic engagement eliminates the need for manual locking operations, reducing toolhead replacement time while maintaining secure locking during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized interfaces are implemented, then versatility for multiple toolheads is improved, but precision alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier portion with standardized ball bearing arrangement serves as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different probe portions and toolheads. The consistent positioning and dimensions of the ball bearings create a standard interface that ensures precise alignment across various toolhead types, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling versatility.
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
Facilitates rapid and secure toolhead changes in various environments, providing a standard interface for multiple toolheads, secure locking, and resistance to rotational forces, reducing the need for human servicing and enabling the use of diverse robotic end effectors.
Implementation Method 1
rotating a locking ring of the carrier portion, and in response relieving pressure on one or more ball bearings in matching recesses of an outer surface of the probe portion and axially unlocking the carrier portion from the probe portion
Implementation Method 2
seating the one or more ball bearings into matching recesses in an outer surface of the probe portion in response to sliding the carrier portion over the probe portion a predetermined distance
Implementation Method 3
The probe portion is further configured to radially align with the carrier portion in response to an alignment feature engages the carrier portion
Data Source
AI summary
A separable robotic interface includes a carrier portion, configured to attach to a free end of a robotic arm, and a probe portion, configured to be attached to a toolhead. The carrier portion includes a spring-loaded plug, coaxial with and arranged to slide lengthwise within the carrier portion, one or more ball bearings, arranged within holes of the carrier portion, and an axial lock feature. The probe portion may include a probe, which includes one or more recesses on lateral exterior surfaces of the probe and configured to receive ball bearings in order to axially lock the carrier portion to the probe portion in response to the probe portion inserted a predetermined distance into the carrier portion and the axial lock feature is activated. The probe portion is further configured to radially align with the carrier portion in response to an alignment feature engages the carrier portion.