Industrial Robot Dispensing With Stepper-Driven Plunger Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for industrial robots face challenges in achieving precise and reliable liquid dispensing due to variations in ambient temperature, elevation, and liquid viscosity, which affect the dispensing rate and precision using pneumatic pressure.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system for industrial robots that utilizes a stepping motor with a central rotor and electromagnets to control the plunger rod's movement, ensuring precise liquid dispensing by translating rotational movement into longitudinal movement through a direct mechanical connection, independent of environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic pressure is used to control the dispensing of liquid from a syringe, then the dispensing system is simple to operate, but the dispensing precision deteriorates due to variations in ambient temperature, elevation, and liquid viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic pressure system with a mechanical system consisting of a motor-driven plunger rod that directly pushes the piston. This mechanical substitution eliminates the reliance on pneumatic pressure which is sensitive to environmental factors, thereby improving dispensing precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated motor control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from pneumatic pressure to mechanical displacement. By controlling the plunger rod's position and movement distance through a motor system, the dispensing precision is improved as mechanical parameters are less sensitive to ambient temperature, elevation, and liquid viscosity variations compared to pneumatic pressure
2Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical system with motor and plunger rod is used to control liquid dispensing, then the dispensing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure generation function from the overall system by using a motor-driven plunger rod that directly displaces liquid through mechanical movement. This eliminates the need for complex pneumatic pressure control systems, regulators, and pressure sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high dispensing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-driven plunger rod serves multiple functions: it provides precise positional control for dispensing accuracy, generates the force needed to push the liquid, and can be controlled through standard motor control interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Device complexity
If pneumatic pressure is used to dispense liquid, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system with a direct mechanical drive system where a motor controls the plunger rod position. This mechanical substitution improves reliability by eliminating the sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature, elevation, and viscosity that affect pneumatic pressure, while maintaining relatively simple device structure
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 system provides precise and reliable liquid dispensing, allowing for accurate application of liquids in the correct magnitude and pattern, unaffected by environmental conditions, enhancing the precision and reliability of industrial robot operations.
Implementation Method 1
a stepping motor that is connected to the second end of the base plate, where the stepping motor comprises a central rotor having a first rotational axis and at least two electromagnets arranged as a stator around the central rotor
Implementation Method 2
a rotational movement of the central rotor maneuvers the plunger rod in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the plunger rod
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing system (1) for industrial robots comprising a base (19) comprising a first end (21) and a second end (23), where the first end comprises a connecting arrangement for a syringe, a connection bracket in connection to the base plate, configured to attach the base to an articulated robot arm (3), a stepping motor (59) that is connected to the second end of the base plate, where the stepping motor comprises a central rotor (61) having a first rotational axis and at least two electromagnets arranged as a stator (63) around the central rotor, a plunger rod (49) having a first longitudinal axis and a second rotational axis and where the plunger rod is in connection to the central rotor, where a rotational movement of the central rotor maneuvers the plunger rod in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the plunger rod, wherein the plunger rod further comprises a rotational lock, where the rotational lock is in connection to the base plate ensuring that the plunger rod is rotationally static during the rotational movement of the central rotor.