Adjustable Curved Robot Arm via Segmented Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robots with curved arms lack the ability to adjust their length in response to varying use environments, limiting their adaptability and accessibility in different settings.

Innovation Solution

A robot design featuring a curved arm composed of a first member, a second member, and a coupling member, allowing for adjustable length through the exchange or attachment/detachment of coupling members, which also enhances the rotation range of connected arms by bending the arm's curve in the longitudinal direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a curved arm is used to improve accessibility and rotation range, then the rotation range of connected arms is widened, but the arm length cannot be adjusted to suit different environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different environmentsVSAvoidarm structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The curved arm is divided into multiple segments (first member, second member, and coupling member) that can be independently exchanged. This segmentation allows the arm length to be adjusted by replacing coupling members with different lengths, enabling adaptation to various environments without redesigning the entire arm structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arm structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable through the exchange of coupling members. By attaching or detaching coupling members with different lengths, the arm can adapt its configuration to suit different operational environments, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coupling member is made detachable to enable length adjustment, then the arm length can be changed, but the structural complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable arm lengthVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member is designed as a separate, exchangeable component that connects the first and second members. This segmentation enables straightforward attachment and detachment operations, making the assembly process simple despite the adjustable functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling member serves multiple functions: it connects arm segments, enables length adjustment through exchange with different length variants, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for complex specialized components, simplifying overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10220508B2Robot

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A robot includes a curved arm including a first member, a second member, and a coupling member and bending in a longitudinal direction, the first member couples to a distal end of the coupling member in the longitudinal direction, and the second member couples to a base end of the coupling member in the longitudinal direction.