Stepped Casing Cable Routing for Compact Robot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robot systems face space occupancy issues due to increased cable diameters and bending radii, which result from the need for more actuators with additional joints, leading to enlarged spaces within production facilities.
Innovation Solution
A robot control device with a casing that incorporates a stepped side surface to route connection cables along the side surface, using a projection and recess configuration to manage cable routing and reduce the effective cable path length, thereby minimizing space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of actuators is increased to accommodate more joints in the industrial robot, then the robot's functionality and joint capability are improved, but the cable diameter increases and the bending radius becomes greater, resulting in increased space occupation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by routing the connection cable along the side surface of the casing rather than allowing it to project outward. The stepped portion provides a multi-level surface structure that guides the cable in a compact path along the casing side, effectively utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions of the casing surface to minimize the horizontal space occupied by the cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped portion on the side surface creates localized structural features (projections and recesses) that specifically address cable routing in that region. This local structural modification allows the cable to be routed efficiently along the side surface without affecting the overall casing design, thereby reducing the space occupied by the cable while maintaining the robot's joint capability.
2Power
If the cable diameter increases due to more actuators, then the power and signal transmission capability are improved, but the bending radius becomes greater and the cable projects out of the robot control system, increasing the area occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the side surface of the casing as an additional dimension for cable routing. By guiding the cable along the side surface through the stepped portion, the cable's path is confined to a compact area on the casing surface, preventing it from projecting outward and increasing the overall footprint of the robot control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped portion acts as an intermediary structure between the cable and the external environment. It provides a dedicated routing path that mediates the cable's connection to the robot while keeping the cable contained within the casing's boundary, thus preventing the cable from increasing the robot system's occupied area despite its larger diameter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is routed in a desired direction from the robot control device, then the system layout flexibility is improved, but the cable projects out and occupies enlarged space
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped portion creates localized routing features on the side surface that guide the cable in specific directions. This local structural design allows the cable to be routed flexibly along the casing side while maintaining a compact profile, providing layout flexibility without the cable projecting outward and occupying enlarged space.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot control device is connected to an industrial robot through a connection cable. The robot control device has a casing that accommodates an actuator controller. A side surface of the casing has a stepped portion. The stepped portion includes a connecting portion located in such a manner that the connection cable extends along the side surface while arranged on the side surface. The connection cable is connected to the connecting portion. This configuration saves space of the robot control device.