SCARA Robot Arm With Separate Vertical Base Lifting for Heavy Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face inefficiencies in conveying and handling heavy workpieces, particularly battery modules for electric vehicles, due to the need for complex actuator mechanisms and limited mobility of conveyors and robots, which increase energy consumption and occupy excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A robot system with a SCARA-type arm configuration, including a base, first and second arms, and an arm tip, where the arm base is lifted and lowered without rotating, reducing the need for lifting actuators and minimizing the occupied space, while utilizing gravity and gas pressure to enhance efficiency and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a robot with complex actuator mechanisms is used to convey heavy workpieces, then the robot can handle heavy workpieces, but the energy consumption increases and the occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting function from the robot arm by using a separate conveyor system that moves the arm base vertically. This separates the lifting function (performed by the conveyor) from the horizontal conveying function (performed by the robot arm), reducing the complexity and energy consumption of the robot's actuator mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the conveying system into two independent conveyors: one for vertical movement (conveyor 10) and one for horizontal movement (conveyor 20). The robot arm base is lifted by conveyor 10 while the arm itself performs horizontal conveying operations, segmenting the overall conveying function into distinct vertical and horizontal components.
2Force
If a robot with complex actuator mechanisms is used to convey heavy workpieces, then the robot can handle heavy workpieces, but the occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is extracted from the robot structure and implemented as a separate conveyor system. This allows the robot arm to be more compact since it no longer needs integrated lifting actuators, thereby reducing the overall occupied space while maintaining the ability to handle heavy workpieces.
3Productivity
If conventional conveyors and robots are used, then workpieces can be conveyed, but the mobility is limited and the conveyance process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic positioning where the robot arm base can be moved vertically by conveyor 10 to different heights, and the arm itself can move horizontally by conveyor 20. This dynamic adjustment of positions allows the robot to adapt to different workpiece locations and conveyance requirements, enhancing both mobility and conveyance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that coordinates the movement of conveyor 10, conveyor 20, and the robot arm. This intermediary control enables smooth transitions and efficient cooperation between the different conveying components, improving overall productivity and ease of operation.
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 system achieves high-efficiency transportation of heavy workpieces by minimizing the weight and size of the arm components, reducing energy consumption, and expanding the movable range of conveyors, thereby optimizing the conveyance process.
Implementation Method 1
an arm base movably connected to the base to move upwards and downwards along the base
Implementation Method 2
The first one end portion is connected to the arm base rotatably about a first axis perpendicular to the transport line and the first line
Implementation Method 3
The second one end portion is connected to the first another end portion rotatably about a second axis parallel to the first axis
Implementation Method 4
The arm tip is connected to the second another end portion rotatably about a third axis parallel to the first axis
Implementation Method 5
a workpiece holder provided below the arm tip and configured to hold the workpiece from above
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes a first conveyor conveying a workpiece to a first position in a conveying direction along a transport line, a second conveyor conveying the workpiece from a second position along a first line perpendicular to the transport line, and a robot conveying the workpiece from the first to second positions. The robot includes a base fixed to a fixed position apart from the first line in the conveying direction, and an arm base movably connected to the base. A first arm is connected to the arm base rotatably about a first axis perpendicular to the transport and first lines. A second arm is connected to the first arm rotatably about a second axis parallel to the first axis. An arm tip is connected to the second arm rotatably about a third axis parallel to the first axis. A workpiece holder is provided below the arm tip.