Sliding Bearing Tool Mounting Unit for Robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tool depositing devices face challenges in securely storing and positioning tools due to complex and costly constructions, requiring time-consuming and expensive maintenance, especially when roller bearing elements need to be exchanged.

Innovation Solution

A storage unit with a coupling carrier and holding device featuring a positive-fit engagement between guide rails and a coupling carrier, allowing for compensation movements through sliding bearings, eliminating the need for roller elements and simplifying maintenance by using sliding layers and a flexible design with adjustable bores for securing pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If roller bearing elements are used in the storage unit, then compensation movements are enabled, but maintenance becomes time-consuming and cost-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompensation movement capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance time and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces roller bearing elements with a sliding bearing system consisting of guide rails and a coupling carrier. This substitution eliminates the need for roller elements that require maintenance, while still enabling compensation movements through the sliding interface between the coupling carrier and guide rails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding bearing system is designed as a maintenance-free solution where the coupling carrier can be easily replaced as a complete unit if needed, rather than requiring disassembly and replacement of individual roller bearing elements. This reduces maintenance complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a complex construction is used to enable compensation movements, then secure tool depositing is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure tool depositingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit is segmented into modular components: a holding device with guide rails, a coupling carrier with coupling elements, and an assembly plate. This modular segmentation allows for simple manufacturing of individual parts and easy assembly, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the compensation movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling carrier acts as an intermediary element between the holding device and the tool. It provides the coupling elements for tool attachment while enabling compensation movements through its sliding capability on the guide rails, thus achieving secure tool depositing without complex construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If roller bearing elements are used, then compensation movements are permitted, but the construction becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompensation movement capabilityVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes expensive roller bearing elements with a simpler sliding bearing system using guide rails and a coupling carrier. This mechanical substitution maintains the compensation movement capability while significantly reducing construction costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the friction parameter by using a sliding interface instead of rolling elements. While sliding friction is generally higher than rolling friction, the simplicity and low cost of the sliding bearing construction outweigh this disadvantage, especially for the low-speed, low-load application of tool depositing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution results in a cost-effective, maintenance-free, and robust tool depositing device that allows for secure tool storage and positioning with reduced maintenance costs and increased flexibility, while minimizing wear and shock sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

The sliding layers (16) consist of a metal-plastic composite material and have a cover layer containing PTFE and lead

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSliding friction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a cover layer containing PTFE and lead, and an intermediate layer containing sintered bronze and deposited onto a steel back

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPTFE lubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS9283646B2Mounting unit for a tool depositing device

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 STAUBLI TEC SYST

AI summary

A mounting unit for a tool depositing device includes a coupling carrier having a tool-side coupling element, in particular for a coupling device for a tool of a robot, and a holding device that can be connected to a mounting plate of the tool depositing device. An intermediate space is provided between the holding device and the coupling carrier to allow compensating movements between the coupling carrier and the holding device. The holding device includes two guide rails, between which the coupling carrier is pushed in. An interlocking engagement between the coupling carrier and the guide rails is produced by engaging at least one protuberance in at least one recess, wherein the at least one recess and the at least one protuberance are arranged on mutually opposing sides of the coupling carrier and of the guide rails.