Rotating Cam Tool Changer Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic tool changers require axial motion of a piston to actuate ball members for coupling, which limits the design to a larger and less compact form factor, especially in applications where space and weight are constraints.
Innovation Solution
A rotating cam surface ring mechanism that urges ball members radially to contact a coupling surface, allowing for manual initiation of coupling and decoupling without axial piston motion, using stored mechanical energy to automatically partially couple the units and providing a failsafe mechanism to maintain coupling in case of power loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piston mechanism with axial motion is used to actuate ball members for coupling, then the coupling force and reliability are improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional piston mechanism by replacing linear axial motion with rotational motion of a cam surface ring. The cam surface ring rotates to urge ball members radially outward against the coupling surface, achieving the same coupling function without requiring a heavy axial piston structure. This inversion reduces weight while maintaining coupling reliability through the radial force mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional axial motion (piston moving linearly) to two-dimensional rotational motion (cam surface ring rotating). The cam surface ring's rotation creates radial displacement of the ball members, utilizing a different dimensional approach to achieve coupling. This dimensional change eliminates the need for a heavy axial piston while maintaining effective coupling force.
2Reliability
If a piston mechanism with axial motion is used to actuate ball members for coupling, then the coupling force and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional piston mechanism by replacing linear axial motion with rotational motion of a cam surface ring. The cam surface ring rotates to urge ball members radially outward against the coupling surface, achieving the same coupling function without requiring a heavy axial piston structure. This inversion reduces weight while maintaining coupling reliability through the radial force mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional axial motion (piston moving linearly) to two-dimensional rotational motion (cam surface ring rotating). The cam surface ring's rotation creates radial displacement of the ball members, utilizing a different dimensional approach to achieve coupling. This dimensional change eliminates the need for a heavy axial piston while maintaining effective coupling force.
3Weight of moving object
If manual actuation is used for coupling, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the automation level and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring-loaded actuating mechanism that automatically rotates the cam surface ring to urge the ball members against the coupling surface when the tool unit is brought into alignment with the master unit. This self-service feature enables automatic coupling without requiring external manual intervention, maintaining lightweight design while improving productivity through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from purely manual rotation to spring-assisted automatic rotation. The spring stores mechanical energy that is released to rotate the cam surface ring, transforming the coupling process from manual to semi-automatic. This parameter change maintains the lightweight structure while significantly improving tool changing speed and productivity.
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 rotating cam surface ring mechanism enables a compact, lightweight robotic tool changer design with enhanced safety features, allowing for efficient and secure coupling and decoupling, and automatic actuation, suitable for various robotic applications.
Implementation Method 1
A rotating cam surface ring having a plurality of surfaces formed therein urges a plurality of ball members radially to contact a coupling surface
Implementation Method 2
An actuation mechanism, using spring-loaded or other means, operative to automatically at least partially couple the two units upon manual initiation
Implementation Method 3
A component of that force is directed by the coupling surface toward the opposite tool coupling unit, locking the two units together
Data Source
AI summary
In a robotic tool changer, a rotating cam surface ring having a plurality of surfaces formed therein urges a plurality of ball members in one tool coupling unit radially to contact a coupling surface in the other tool coupling unit. Mechanical energy captured and stored upon decoupling the units is used by an actuation mechanism, upon manual initiation, to at least partially automatically couple the two units by partially rotating the rotating cam surface ring. Further manual rotation of the cam member exerts a radial force through the ball members onto the coupling surface. A component of that force is directed by the coupling surface toward the opposite tool coupling unit, locking the two units together.