Self-Engaging Robot End Effector Attaching Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual replacement of end effectors in robot apparatuses is labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring a mechanism that simplifies and ensures high reproducibility and durability for repeated operations.
Innovation Solution
An attaching mechanism featuring a fastening member, a first member with a screw hole, a second member with an insertion portion, and a third member that enables the fastening member to pass through when in a first position and engages to prevent passage when in a second position, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of end effectors to a robot arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual replacement of end effectors is performed, then flexibility in changing workpieces is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening member is designed to enable self-attachment of the end effector to the robot arm. The operator simply needs to insert the fastening member through the insertion portion, and the third member automatically engages with the fastening member when moved to the second position, eliminating the need for complex manual fastening operations and reducing replacement time while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The third member acts as an intermediary between the fastening member and the second member. It enables the fastening member to pass through the insertion portion when in the first position, and then engages with the fastening member when in the second position to secure the attachment, automating the fastening process and reducing manual labor
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual replacement of end effectors is performed, then flexibility in changing workpieces is achieved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to perform the fastening operation automatically once the fastening member is inserted. The third member self-engages with the fastening member when moved to the second position, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex manual fastening operations, thereby reducing labor intensity while preserving the ability to change end effectors flexibly
Solution Approach 2:
The complex fastening operation is extracted from the manual process and replaced by the automatic engagement mechanism. The third member is designed to automatically engage with the fastening member, removing the labor-intensive aspect of manual fastening while maintaining the flexibility to replace different end effectors
3Productivity
If repeated replacement operations are performed, then productivity is improved, but durability of the attachment mechanism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the fastening member for insertion and removal, and the third member for engagement and securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the third member designed to withstand repeated engagement cycles, thereby maintaining durability while enabling frequent replacements that improve productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The third member automatically engages with the fastening member through its own movement to the second position, creating a self-securing mechanism that reduces wear from manual manipulation. This automatic engagement ensures consistent and reliable attachment across repeated operations, maintaining durability while supporting high-frequency replacement operations
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 mechanism facilitates quick and reproducible attachment of end effectors, stabilizes electrical connections, and increases the durability and productivity of robot systems by reducing the frequency of emergency stops and simplifying the changeover process in production lines.
Implementation Method 1
the robot arm including a first member having a screw hole to which the fastening member is screwed into
Implementation Method 2
a wedge member configured to engage with a first sloped surface of the robot arm and a second sloped surface of the robot hand when the fastening member is tightened, and move away from the first sloped surface and the second sloped surface when the fastening member is loosened
Data Source
AI summary
An attaching mechanism includes a fastening member, a first member, a second member including an insertion portion through which the fastening member passes, and a third member configured to enable the fastening member to pass through the insertion portion when the third member is located at a first position, and engage with the fastening member and disable the fastening member from passing through the insertion portion when the third member is located at a second position. When the third member is located at the second position, and the fastening member is moved toward a predetermined direction, the third member is pressed by the fastening member toward the predetermined direction, and the second member is attached to the first member.