Sliding Connection Member for Robot Arm Cable Stress Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots have a limited service life for linear objects such as cables and hoses due to mechanical stress from expansion and contraction, leading to fatigue and potential rupture.

Innovation Solution

A robot design incorporating an installing device with a connection member and linear motion support that allows the connection member to slide relative to a hollow arm, minimizing the force exerted on linear objects during expansion and contraction, and featuring a multi-articular structure with rotatable and turnable arms to distribute stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If linear objects are guided along the outer surface of the robot, then the robot structure remains simple, but the service life of linear objects is reduced due to mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot structureVSAvoidservice life of linear objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A connection member is introduced as an intermediary component between the linear object and the robot arm. This connection member can slide relative to the hollow arm through a linear motion support, acting as a mediator that absorbs expansion and contraction forces, thereby protecting the linear object from direct mechanical stress while maintaining the overall structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member is designed to be dynamically movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide along the extension direction of the hollow arm. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to linear object expansion and contraction without creating harmful static constraints, thus extending service life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the connection member is fixed relative to the hollow arm, then the structure is simpler, but mechanical stress causes fatigue and rupture of linear objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structureVSAvoidresistance to fatigue and rupture
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is designed with sliding capability relative to the hollow arm, transforming a static fixed connection into a dynamic movable connection. This allows the system to accommodate linear object dimensional changes through controlled movement rather than rigid constraint, preventing stress concentration and fatigue failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of the connection member along the extension direction of the hollow arm. By allowing the connection position to vary dynamically through sliding motion, the system adapts to changing linear object dimensions and stress conditions, thereby maintaining structural integrity and preventing rupture

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 extends the service life of linear objects by reducing mechanical stress, preventing fatigue and rupture, and allowing for the use of different materials suited to specific tasks, enhancing the robot's operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The linear motion support supports the connection member slidably in the extension direction relative to the hollow arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3632631B1Installing device and robot
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP3632631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3632631B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3632631B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An installing device includes a connection member and a linear motion support. The connection member is disposed at a base end portion of a hollow arm having a hollow extending in an extension direction in which the hollow arm extends, and a linear object passing through the hollow is connectable to the connection member. The linear motion support supports the connection member slidably in the extension direction relative to the hollow arm.