Soft Robotic Actuator Hub With Quick-Release Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soft robotic actuators face challenges in secure mounting and easy replacement, particularly when they need to be swapped due to failure or end of service life, which complicates maintenance and adaptation to different tasks.
Innovation Solution
A novel hub system with a spring-loaded quick-change mechanism and snap-together designs allows for rapid removal and replacement of soft robotic actuators, ensuring secure attachment and easy switching between different sizes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soft actuators are mounted securely to prevent pulling away when inflated, then mounting reliability is improved, but actuator replacement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: a hub with mounting features and a collar that secures the actuator. This segmentation allows the actuator to be firmly held during operation while enabling quick release when needed, resolving the contradiction between secure mounting and easy replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic reversible connection. The collar and hub design allows the actuator to be securely mounted during operation but can be quickly removed when replacement is needed, providing adaptability between these two states.
2Device complexity
If traditional mounting methods are used for soft actuators, then structural simplicity is maintained, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mounting system into a hub and a removable collar assembly, the patent maintains relatively simple individual components while enabling easy maintenance. The modular design allows quick access to actuators for replacement without complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to be self-servicing through its quick-release mechanism. Operators can easily replace actuators without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures, making maintenance accessible and straightforward.
3Reliability
If actuators are permanently mounted, then mounting security is improved, but system adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing actuators to be securely mounted for specific tasks and easily replaced when task requirements change. The hub and collar design enables quick reconfiguration of the robotic system for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub design with standardized mounting features and collars creates a universal interface that can accommodate different actuator types and configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same mounting system to support various tasks requiring different actuators.
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
Enables quick and secure attachment and detachment of soft robotic actuators, facilitating maintenance, adaptation to various tasks, and reducing wear and tear, thereby improving operational efficiency and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A novel hub system with a spring-loaded quick-change mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present application relates to improvements in support systems (114), (202) for holding one or more robotic actuators (100), particularly soft robotic actuators. Because soft robotic actuators tend to push away from a base to which they are fixed upon inflation, they must be hold to the base securely. However, this may render it more difficult to remove the actuator from the base (e.g., when the actuator fails, when the actuator and/or base must be cleaned or serviced, or when a user wishes to switch out one style or size of actuator for another). Exemplary embodiments herein relate to improved designs for hubs, including interlocking and quick-release mechanisms that allow the actuator to be held firmly to the hub, but also allow the actuator to be quickly and efficiently released, when needed.