String Assembly Shock Tolerance for Robotics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotics solutions for shock tolerance in environments like waste sorting are either expensive, difficult to implement, or require significant idle time for repair, especially in environments where accuracy and speed are crucial and shocks are frequent.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mounting element structure using a string assembly between a robot and a tool element, which remains rigid until an external force exceeds a predetermined level, allowing the structure to become flexible and absorb shocks, thereby reducing damage, and can be easily manufactured and repaired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If structural arrangements such as yielding or breaking parts are used to prevent shock damage, then shock tolerance is improved, but device complexity and repair time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the mounting element from rigid to flexible by selecting appropriate material properties. The mounting element is designed to remain rigid during normal operation but become flexible when subjected to shock forces exceeding a predetermined threshold, thereby absorbing shock without requiring complex structural arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if damaged. Rather than using complex yielding or breaking parts that require significant repair time, the patent employs a straightforward flexible mounting element that provides shock protection and can be quickly swapped out if needed, minimizing downtime
2Reliability
If flexible materials or spring-based solutions are used in the robot arm, then shock tolerance is improved, but manufacturing precision and operational accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexibility locally only at the mounting element between the robot arm and tool, rather than making the entire robot arm flexible. The mounting element itself remains rigid during normal operation to maintain positioning accuracy, but becomes flexible only when subjected to shock forces exceeding a predetermined threshold, thereby localizing the flexibility function to where it is most needed
3Reliability
If sensor-based operational methods are used to detect and prevent collisions, then shock damage is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element is designed to automatically respond to shock forces without requiring external sensors or control systems. When a shock force exceeds the predetermined threshold, the mounting element naturally transitions from rigid to flexible state, absorbing the shock energy. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex sensor arrangements and control logic
4Reliability
If breaking parts such as clamps are used to absorb shocks, then shock tolerance is improved, but ease of repair and productivity deteriorate due to extended idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if damaged by shock. Rather than using complex breaking parts that require significant repair time and system idle time, the patent employs a straightforward flexible mounting element that provides shock protection and can be quickly swapped out if needed, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity
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 provides effective shock absorption without hysteresis, allowing controlled operation during shocks and minimizing downtime for repairs, making it cost-effective and suitable for environments requiring high accuracy and speed.
Implementation Method 1
a material of the strings is essentially non-elastic, i.e. the strings do not stretch but constitute rigid limits for the distances between connected mounting points... the structure becomes at least partly flexible and thus prevents major damage to the robot
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention concerns in general the technical field of robotics and automation. Especially the invention concerns a structure for improving a shock tolerance of a robot or other positioning system. More specifically, the invention discloses a mounting element structure for increasing shock tolerance in a robot. The mounting element structure comprises a first surface (201) and a second surface (202) towards a robot tool element, wherein the first and second surfaces (201; 202) are configured to be connected with a string assembly (203). The string assembly is configured to, under exposure of external force exceeding a predetermined level, to reduce the damage caused by the force by deforming the shape of the string assembly (203).