SCARA Robot Shaft Wireless Charging for Cable-Free Tool Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SCARA robots face limitations in power supply management, particularly in maintaining efficient and durable power transmission to movable tools, as the power supply device is often restricted by the need to move up and down with the shaft, leading to cable deformation and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A robot design featuring a power transmitting unit fixed to the arm and a power receiving unit with a battery on the shaft, allowing for wireless power transfer and independent movement of the shaft, reducing cable deformation and enhancing durability by minimizing the need for arm movement during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power supply device moves up and down with the shaft to maintain connection, then power transmission is maintained, but cable deformation occurs and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The power transmitting unit on the arm and power receiving unit on the shaft enable power transfer without physical cable contact, eliminating cable deformation and durability issues while maintaining reliable power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the arm and shaft. The power transmitting unit generates electromagnetic fields that couple with the power receiving unit, serving as a non-contact intermediary that eliminates the need for direct mechanical cable connection.
2Reliability
If the shaft is constrained to move with the arm for power supply, then power transmission is stable, but the motion range of the shaft is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system replaces the mechanical coupling that constrained the shaft's motion. By using electromagnetic fields instead of physical connections, the shaft gains independence to move freely within its required range while the power transmitting unit remains stationary on the arm, providing stable power transmission without motion constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to the shaft's independent motion by maintaining wireless power transmission capability throughout the shaft's motion range. The power receiving unit moves with the shaft while continuously receiving power wirelessly, allowing the system to accommodate dynamic motion requirements without mechanical constraints.
3Strength
If wireless power transmission is implemented, then cable deformation is reduced, but charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless power transmission system enables continuous power transfer to the battery without interruption for cable connection/disconnection. The power receiving unit on the shaft continuously receives power during operation, eliminating the time loss associated with plugging and unplugging cables, and maintaining continuous charging capability throughout the shaft's motion range.
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
This configuration enables a wider motion range for the shaft, reduces charging time, minimizes interference with peripheral objects, and allows for more efficient battery charging, leading to improved robot performance and maintainability.
Implementation Method 1
a power receiving unit and a battery that are fixed to the shaft. In a state in which the shaft is positioned at a predetermined position in the direction of the axis, the power receiving unit is brought close to the power transmitting unit to wirelessly receive power transmitted from the power transmitting unit
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes: an arm; a shaft supported at a tip of the arm so as to be movable in a direction of a predetermined axis; a power transmitting unit fixed to the arm and connected to a power supply; and a power receiving unit and a battery that are fixed to the shaft. In a state in which the shaft is positioned at a predetermined position in the direction of the axis, the power receiving unit is close to the power transmitting unit to wirelessly receive power transmitted from the power transmitting unit, and the battery stores the power received by the power receiving unit and uses the power as a power source of a device attached to the shaft.