Robotic Tool Changer Interlock Using RFID and Parking Station Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tool changing systems for robotic arms lack efficient and reliable safety controls, leading to wear and tear on coupling means and the need for frequent maintenance, especially in smaller-sized tool changers, and pose risks due to inadequate safety conditions for decoupling tools.

Innovation Solution

A safety control apparatus comprising a first module associated with the robotic arm and a second module associated with the tool, which wirelessly transmits safety signals to allow safe decoupling or coupling, using RFID technology and magnetic sensors to ensure that decoupling only occurs under specific safety conditions, reducing wear and maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional coupling means are used for tool changing systems, then mechanical connection is achieved, but wear and tear occurs and frequent maintenance is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of safety controlVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical coupling means with a wireless communication system using RFID technology. The robotic arm and tool adapter exchange safety signals wirelessly, eliminating mechanical contact points that would wear and require maintenance. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic field-based communication directly resolves the contradiction by improving reliability while reducing maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If safety control apparatus is implemented, then safe decoupling is ensured, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of decoupling operationVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the safety control functionality into separate, independent modules: a control unit in the robotic arm and a corresponding unit in the tool adapter. Each module contains RFID receivers and processing logic that operate independently but communicate wirelessly. This modular extraction simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring comprehensive safety control, as each module can be designed and tested independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID wireless communication as an intermediary between the robotic arm and tool adapter for safety signal exchange. This intermediary enables safe decoupling operations by transmitting authorization signals without requiring direct mechanical or electrical contact, thereby ensuring safety while avoiding the complexity of wired connections and mechanical safety interlocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If wireless RFID technology is used, then wear on coupling components is minimized, but initial system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice life of coupling componentsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of control apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling and safety verification systems with wireless RFID communication technology. This substitution eliminates physical wear on coupling components by removing the need for mechanical safety interlocks, contact-based sensors, and wired connections. Although RFID technology has an associated cost, it extends the service life of coupling components indefinitely by eliminating wear, ultimately providing cost effectiveness through reduced maintenance and replacement expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution provides a more efficient and reliable safety control system that minimizes wear on coupling components, reduces maintenance requirements, and ensures safe tool decoupling and coupling operations, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in robotic arm systems.

Implementation Method 1

said first module comprising an RFID reader, said second module comprising an RFID chip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

said means associated with a tool parking station being configured to activate said magnetic sensor by means of a magnetic actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20230405813A1Safety control apparatus for tool changing device of a robotic arm

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 EFFECTO GRP SPA

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. [FIG. 1]