Spherical Bit Fastener Interface for Misaligned Robotic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated machines struggle to efficiently couple with fastening devices at varying degrees of misalignment, limiting their ability to perform tasks in hazardous environments where precise alignment is difficult or unsafe for human personnel.
Innovation Solution
A spherical bit with a spherical portion and teeth that can couple with a corresponding fastening device having a spherical void and grooves, allowing for misalignment of up to 24 degrees, is used in conjunction with an automated machine equipped with a robotic arm and controller to autonomously align and rotate the fastening device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional bits are used with fastening devices, then precise coupling is achieved, but misalignment tolerance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spheroidality by replacing the conventional linear bit-shaft interface with a spherical bit head that interfaces with a spherical receptacle. The spherical geometry allows the bit to self-align and accommodate angular misalignments up to 24 degrees while maintaining effective coupling with the fastening device, thus resolving the contradiction between coupling precision and misalignment tolerance.
2Reliability
If automated machines require precise alignment, then coupling effectiveness is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bit head design enables automated machines to maintain reliable coupling effectiveness without requiring precise alignment. The spherical geometry provides a large angular acceptance range, allowing the automated machine to operate efficiently even when positioning accuracy is limited, thus improving both reliability and productivity simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If human personnel perform manual operations, then task flexibility is maintained, but safety is compromised in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bit design enables automated machines to perform fastening operations independently without human intervention. The self-aligning spherical interface allows the automated system to adapt to positioning variations autonomously, maintaining task flexibility while eliminating safety risks associated with human personnel working in hazardous environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to an automation system that allows for ease of opening and closing, latching or unlatching, or switching on or off components using a spherical bit and corresponding receptacle that allow for a degree of misalignment not previously available. Accordingly, automated maintenance or other tasks may be performed with more speed and efficiency than previously available. Specifically, the spherical bit includes a spherical portion having teeth circumferentially disposed across. A corresponding receptacle includes a spherical void having grooves that correspond to the teeth of the spherical bit. The size and shape of the receptacle and bit as well as the location, size, shape, and number of teeth and corresponding grooves allow for a misalignment of up to 24 degrees in any direction.