Rotatable Multi-Orientation Connection Interface for Modular Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling and processing parts, such as in robotics and automation, often require complex assembly and maintenance due to the need for precise alignment and connection of modular components, which limits flexibility and increases costs and delivery times.
Innovation Solution
A device with a connecting interface that allows the first and second components to be connected in multiple discrete orientations by rotating the first contact section around a specified axis, enabling both electrical signal transmission and fluid transport regardless of the orientation, thus facilitating flexible module arrangement and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If quick connectors are used to establish fixed position and orientation for tools, then assembly and maintenance times are reduced, but flexibility with regard to the arrangement of modules is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides quick connection for reduced assembly time while simultaneously enabling flexible orientation through rotational symmetry. The interface can accommodate tools in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) without requiring different connector designs, thus achieving both speed and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface incorporates asymmetric features that allow for discrete rotational positions. The first and second contact sections have specific geometric asymmetries that guide the tool into predetermined orientations while still allowing rotation by specific angles (multiples of a base angle), enabling flexible positioning within a standardized interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous variants of functionally identical modules are created for different positioning or orientations, then flexibility is maintained, but costs and delivery times increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal module design can be used in multiple orientations due to the rotationally symmetric connection interface. The same module can be installed at 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270° positions by simply rotating it, eliminating the need to manufacture separate variants for different orientations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface allows dynamic repositioning of modules through rotation. Modules can be easily rotated to different predetermined orientations during assembly or maintenance without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, enabling flexible configuration with a limited set of standard components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
Device (1), in particular for handling and/or processing parts, with a first and a second component (2, 3) which are separably connected or connectable via a connection interface (4), wherein the connection interface (4) results from plugging and/or pressing a first contact section (5) of the first component (2) in a connection direction (7) onto a second contact section (6) of the second component (3) with a first orientation predetermined with respect to the second contact section (6), wherein the connection interface (4) comprises, on the one hand, an electrical interface (8) for transmitting electrical power and/or communication signals between the first and the second component (2, 3) and, on the other hand, a fluid interface (9) for fluid transport between the first and the second component (2, 3), wherein the first and the second contact sections (5, 6) are configured such thatthat even when the first contact section (5) is plugged or pressed onto the second contact section (6) in the connection direction (7) with at least one further orientation, the connection interface (4) results, wherein the respective further orientation corresponds to the first orientation apart from a rotation of the first contact section (6) about an axis of rotation (19) extending in the connection direction (7) by a respective predetermined angle (20).