SCARA Robot Arm Cover Segmentation for Object Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot designs, such as those described in JP A-2018-176292, have regions not covered by soft members, leading to potential breakage of objects when contact occurs, as these uncovered areas can collide with surrounding objects during operation.
Innovation Solution
A SCARA robot is designed with an arm that includes a cover comprising a first member with lower rigidity and a second member with higher rigidity, where the second member is positioned closer to the turning axis than the outermost periphery of the first member, reducing the likelihood of the higher rigidity member coming into contact with objects during arm rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft member is disposed on the surface of an arm to improve safety, then safety for objects around the robot is improved, but some regions remain uncovered and can still break objects upon contact
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple members (first member with lower rigidity and second member with higher rigidity) positioned at different locations. The first member is disposed at the outermost periphery while the second member is positioned closer to the turning axis, creating segmented coverage that ensures all regions are protected with appropriate rigidity levels for their respective locations
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the arm cover are assigned different rigidity characteristics. The first member with lower rigidity is placed at the outermost periphery where contact with objects is most likely, while the second member with higher rigidity is positioned closer to the turning axis. This local differentiation optimizes protection effectiveness at each specific location
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover completely covering the arm is provided to prevent object breakage, then object protection is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple members (first member and second member) with different rigidity characteristics positioned at specific locations rather than using a single uniform cover structure. This segmentation provides complete coverage while maintaining structural simplicity through functional differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The cover comprises members with different rigidity properties (first member with lower rigidity and second member with higher rigidity), creating a composite structure that achieves comprehensive protection. This composite approach allows each member to be optimized for its specific functional requirements while working together to provide complete coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A robot is provided. The robot includes an arm configured to turn around a turning axis and a cover including a first member having first rigidity and a second member having second rigidity higher than the first rigidity, the cover being provided on the arm, the second member being located in a position closer to the turning axis than the outermost periphery of the first member in a plan view from a direction of the turning axis.