Stiffening Device for Flexible Guide Sheath in Robot Manipulator Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional feeding devices for industrial robots are energy-inefficient, costly, and prone to malfunctions due to complex withdrawal systems and protector elements, which can lead to increased wear and reduced lifespan of the manipulator arm.
Innovation Solution
A feeding device equipped with a stiffening device that includes a holding device and a stiffening element, which can be activated to stiffen the bending guide coat element, allowing the line package to be adapted to the manipulator arm's movement without separate withdrawal systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex withdrawal systems and protector elements are used in conventional feeding devices, then the cable package can be retracted and protected, but the device complexity increases, energy consumption increases, and the manipulator arm experiences increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex withdrawal system and protector elements from the feeding device, replacing them with a simplified guide casing element that allows natural retraction of the cable package through its flexible design, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The guide casing element is designed as a flexible structure that naturally accommodates cable package retraction without requiring additional withdrawal mechanisms, providing protection through its flexible shell design rather than through complex mechanical systems
2Reliability
If complex withdrawal systems and protector elements are used in conventional feeding devices, then the cable package can be retracted and protected, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the energy-consuming withdrawal system and protector elements, replacing them with a passive flexible guide casing element that relies on the natural flexibility and weight of the cable package for retraction, thereby eliminating additional energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The cable package retracts automatically through the flexible guide casing element without requiring external energy input or active withdrawal mechanisms, as the system uses the inherent properties of the cable package and guide casing for self-retraction
3Reliability
If complex withdrawal systems and protector elements are used in conventional feeding devices, then the cable package can be retracted and protected, but the manipulator arm experiences increased wear and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the protector elements and complex withdrawal systems that cause friction and wear on the manipulator arm, replacing them with a smooth flexible guide casing element that minimizes contact and wear, thereby extending the manipulator arm's lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible guide casing element provides a smooth, low-friction surface for cable package retraction, eliminating the need for protector elements that would otherwise contact and wear the manipulator arm, thus extending its operational life
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 solution enables energy-efficient operation, reduces costs, and enhances the durability of the manipulator arm by eliminating the need for complex withdrawal systems and protector elements, while also minimizing noise and wear.
Implementation Method 1
a stiffening element (16), which, in an activated state of the stiffening device (14), is subjected to stiffening energy, whereby the flexible guide casing element (19) is stiffened by means of the stiffening element (16)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a feed apparatus (1) for a manipulator arm (2) having at least one joint, in particular of an industrial robot (3), comprising a flexible cable bundle (13), via which at least one process means can be fed at least substantially along the manipulator arm (2) to the end effector (12) thereof, and comprising a flexible guide sheath element (19) surrounding the cable bundle (13). According to the invention, a stiffening device (14) having a retaining apparatus (15) is provided, which is arranged in a fixed position on the flexible guide sheath element (19), and at least one stiffening element (16, 23) retained by means of the retaining apparatus (15) is provided and is supplied with stiffening energy when the stiffening device (14) is activated, thereby stiffening the flexible guide sheath element (19) and consequently the cable bundle (13) by means of the stiffening element (16, 23).