Robot Speed Reducer Error Identification Under Gravitational Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robot control devices often fail to generate effective correction signals for canceling out error vibrations in speed reducers due to changes in gravitational torque, causing deviations in phase difference and amplitude values.

Innovation Solution

An angular transmission error identification system that uses periodic functions with phase and amplitude parameters corresponding to gravitational torque, allowing for accurate identification of angular transmission errors even when gravitational torque changes, and adjusts parameters based on whether the torque is positive or negative.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the phase difference and amplitude are set using fixed values or simple measurement methods, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of the correction signal deteriorates when gravitational torque changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection signal generationVSAvoiderror vibration cancellation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the phase difference and amplitude parameters variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts these parameters based on the gravitational torque acting on the joint, using different functions (first and second functions) to calculate appropriate values according to the current torque conditions, thereby maintaining correction precision across varying operational states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the phase difference and amplitude values based on gravitational torque variations. The correction signal generation unit changes these parameters according to calculated functions that account for torque magnitude and direction, ensuring accurate error vibration cancellation under different gravitational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the phase difference and amplitude are adjusted to accommodate gravitational torque changes, then the manufacturing precision of the correction signal is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular transmission error identificationVSAvoidparameter calculation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent manages parameter changes by implementing structured functions that calculate phase difference and amplitude based on gravitational torque. The system uses first and second functions selected according to torque conditions, providing a systematic approach to parameter adjustment that balances precision with manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent handles dynamics by implementing real-time calculation of correction parameters based on current gravitational torque conditions. The correction signal generation unit dynamically selects and applies appropriate functions to maintain accurate angular transmission error identification across varying operational states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single correction function is used for all gravitational torque conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of error vibration cancellation deteriorates when torque characteristics vary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrection function setVSAvoiderror vibration cancellation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different correction functions (first and second functions) for different gravitational torque conditions. Each function is optimized for specific torque ranges and characteristics, ensuring reliable error vibration cancellation tailored to local operational conditions rather than using a single generic function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures reliability through parameter changes by selecting appropriate correction functions based on gravitational torque conditions. The system changes the correction parameters (phase difference and amplitude calculation methods) according to the specific torque state, maintaining effective error vibration cancellation across diverse operational scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3636396B1Angular transmission error identification system, angular transmission error identification method, and robot system
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3636396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3636396B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3636396B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an angular transmission error identification system that identifies an angular transmission error of a speed reducer (13) of a robot arm (4) including a joint (7) that is rotationally driven by a motor (11) via the speed reducer (13), the angular transmission error identification system including an identification unit (46) that calculates an amplitude parameter and a phase parameter of an angular transmission error identification function, which is a periodic function that models an angular transmission error of the speed reducer (13) and has the amplitude parameter and the phase parameter, and identifies the angular transmission error using the angular transmission error identification function, in which the identification unit (46) calculates an amplitude parameter corresponding to a gravitational torque current value which is a gravitational torque value acting on a joint when the angular transmission error is identified using a first amplitude function or a second amplitude function according to a value of the gravitational torque current value, and calculates a phase parameter corresponding to the gravitational torque current value using a first phase function or a second phase function according to a value of the gravitational torque current value.