Rotary Module Reducing Robot Arm Outer Diameter via Nested Slip Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotary joints for robots, which integrate swivel joints and electrical signal slip rings coaxially, result in a larger outer diameter, making it difficult to reduce the size of the robot arm, thereby limiting the compactness and efficiency of robotic systems.
Innovation Solution
A rotary module design that includes a first member with a tubular air channel and a second member with electrical coupling terminals, both arranged along the same axis, allowing for a reduced outer diameter by integrating these components within the robot arm's structure without compromising the functionality of air circulation or electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the swivel joint and electrical signal slip ring are coaxially placed, then the functionality of fluid delivery and electrical signal transmission is ensured, but the outer diameter of the rotary joint becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the electrical signal slip ring inside the swivel joint structure. The ring plate electrode is positioned within the inner circumference of the swivel joint's rotating body, allowing the electrical coupling function to be nested within the spatial envelope of the fluid coupling function. This nested arrangement enables both functions to coexist while minimizing the overall outer diameter of the rotary joint.
2Length of stationary object
If the outer diameter of the rotary joint is reduced, then the robot arm becomes more compact, but it becomes harder to integrate both swivel joint and electrical signal slip ring functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swivel joint and electrical signal slip ring into a single integrated rotary joint structure. The fixed body of the swivel joint serves as the housing for the electrical signal slip ring, and the rotating body of the swivel joint incorporates the ring plate electrode. This merging of functions into a unified structure reduces the overall outer diameter while avoiding the complexity of separate integrated systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the swivel joint and electrical signal slip ring are integrated coaxially, then both functions are provided in one component, but the robot arm outer diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional side-by-side or concentric arrangement to a nested dimensional configuration. The electrical signal slip ring is positioned in the radial dimension inside the swivel joint's inner circumference, while the swivel joint occupies the outer radial dimension. This dimensional reorganization allows both functions to be integrated without increasing the outer diameter, effectively utilizing the internal spatial volume of the rotary joint structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary module includes a first outer tube, a first member in which a function of the channel is maintained when a first outer tube rotates relative to a first inner tube, the channel coupling an outside of the first outer tube and an inside of the first inner tube, and a second member in which electrical coupling between the first terminal provided on an inner circumference surface of a second outer tube and the second terminal provided on an outer circumference surface of a second inner tube is maintained when the second outer tube rotates relative to the second inner tube, wherein the first outer tube and the second outer tube are fixed, the first inner tube and the second inner tube are fixed, and the first member and the second member are arranged along the same axis as each other.