Sensor Bracket with Circular Arc Frame for Robot Tool Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor brackets for robots fail to provide a stable and versatile means to attach acceleration sensors to tools with varying diameters, leading to inaccuracies in trajectory control during machining processes due to vibration and displacement issues.

Innovation Solution

A sensor bracket with circular arc frame members and knurled bolts that securely attach to the tool's outer periphery, reducing circumferential gaps and using elastic members for frictional stability, allowing easy attachment and detachment of the acceleration sensor near the tool's tip end.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor bracket is designed to fit tools with varying diameters, then versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to circumferential gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with tools of different diametersVSAvoidacceleration detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The circular arc member is designed with a movable adjustment mechanism that allows the bracket to dynamically adapt its circumference to match different tool diameters. The adjustment member can be positioned at multiple locations around the circular arc, enabling the bracket to maintain optimal contact and minimize gaps regardless of the tool size, thus preserving measurement precision while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket structure allows for changing the effective circumference parameter by adjusting the position of the adjustment member along the circular arc. This parameter change enables the same bracket to fit tools of different diameters while maintaining minimal circumferential gaps through proper positioning, resolving the contradiction between versatility and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the sensor bracket uses a rigid fixed structure, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in attachment and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration detection accuracyVSAvoidattachment and detachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor bracket is segmented into adjustable components rather than a single rigid structure. The adjustment member can be independently positioned and secured at different locations, allowing the bracket to be easily attached and detached while maintaining measurement precision when properly configured. This segmentation enables operational ease without sacrificing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the circular arc member is made adjustable for different tool sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with tools of different diametersVSAvoidbracket structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor bracket is designed as a universal fixture that can accommodate multiple tool diameters through a single adjustable mechanism. Rather than creating complex custom brackets for each tool size, the universal design with a movable adjustment member allows one bracket to serve multiple functions across different tool sizes, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures accurate detection of acceleration, suppresses vibration, and allows the sensor bracket to be used with tools of different diameters, providing high rigidity and stability while enabling easy installation and removal without specialized tools.

Implementation Method 1

a bolt thread-screwed into the frame member so as to reduce the circumferential-direction gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThreaded fastening: Screw

Implementation Method 2

using elastic members for frictional stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11685063B2Sensor bracket and robot system

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A sensor bracket is provided with frame members supporting an acceleration sensor, the frame members having circular arc members holding an outer periphery of a tool of a robot in a state in which circumferential-direction gaps are defined in at least one portion of the circular arc members in a circumferential direction, and a bolt thread-screwed into the frame members so as to reduce the circumferential-direction gaps.