Power Rotary Knife Handle for Robotic Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hand-held power operated rotary knives are not easily adaptable for robotic manipulation, as they are primarily designed for manual use and lack configurations suitable for attachment to end-of-arm tool connectors of robotic arms, limiting their application in automated cutting and trimming operations.
Innovation Solution
The handle assembly and head assembly of the power operated rotary knife are modified to include a central core, connector engagement member, and driver assembly retainer member, allowing the tool to be securely attached to an end-of-arm tool connector, enabling robotic manipulation while maintaining the ability to be converted for manual use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power operated rotary knife is designed for manual use with a traditional handle assembly, then it is easy to operate by human hands, but it cannot be attached to end-of-arm tool connectors for robotic manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both manual operation and robotic manipulation. The modified handle assembly includes a distal interface portion that can couple to either a human hand or an end-of-arm tool connector, allowing the same tool to serve dual purposes without requiring separate designs for each mode of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a movable driver assembly retainer member that can engage or disengage from the driver assembly. This dynamic mechanism allows the handle to be configured for robotic attachment when needed, while maintaining manual operability when the robotic interface is not engaged, thus adapting the tool's operation mode based on requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handle assembly is modified to include robotic interface components, then it can be coupled to end-of-arm tool connectors, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a proximal portion for manual grip, a driver assembly retainer member for securing the drive mechanism, and a distal interface portion for robotic coupling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling robotic attachment capability through the modular distal interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver assembly retainer member is nested within the handle assembly structure, with the driver assembly itself nested within the retainer. The distal interface portion is integrated into the handle assembly rather than being a separate attachment. This nested configuration minimizes the increase in structural complexity by efficiently utilizing existing space within the handle assembly to accommodate the robotic interface components.
3Extent of automation
If a custom handle assembly is designed for robotic use, then robotic manipulation is enabled, but it cannot be easily converted for manual use
Solution Approach 1:
The driver assembly retainer member is designed as a dynamic component that can be moved between engaged and disengaged positions. When engaged, it secures the driver assembly for robotic operation; when disengaged, it allows manual operation. This dynamic mechanism enables easy conversion between automated and manual modes without requiring complete redesign of the handle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal interface portion is designed with universal coupling features that work with standard end-of-arm tool connectors while maintaining compatibility with manual operation. The interface can accept robotic attachments when automation is needed, while the same interface structure remains functional for direct manual handling, thus providing bidirectional adaptability between automated and manual modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A power operated trimming tool, such as a hand-held, power operated rotary knife, configured for coupling to an end-of-arm tool connector of a robotic arm. The power operated trimming tool includes: a head assembly and a handle assembly extending the frame body along a handle assembly longitudinal axis. The head assembly including a frame body configured for coupling to the robotic arm tool connector. The handle assembly including: a central core including a threaded exterior section and a distal interface portion engaging a proximal interface portion of the frame body to attach the handle assembly to the frame body; a connector engagement member including a distal portion contacting the tool connector and a proximal portion including a threaded interior section engaging the central core threaded exterior section, and a driver assembly retainer member including a distal portion including a threaded interior section engaging the central core threaded exterior section.