Structural Load Cell Case for Robotic Pick and Place Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic systems face challenges in incorporating load cells that are robust against torsion, bending, and compression, and are often affected by compressed air or vacuum, limiting their reliability and accuracy in measuring object weights.

Innovation Solution

A structural load cell case is designed with a base, inner tube, and roller sleeve, featuring a flexible joint and pneumatic fittings, which houses the load cell to prevent damage from torsion and bending while maintaining accuracy under various loads and environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If load cells are directly exposed to robotic system operations, then weight measurement functionality is achieved, but the load cells are damaged by torsion, bending, and compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload cell durabilityVSAvoidtorsion and bending damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The load cell case is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer case providing mechanical protection, an inner tube housing the load cell, and a roller sleeve with bearings. This segmentation isolates the load cell from harmful external forces while maintaining measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roller sleeve with bearings acts as an intermediary mechanism between the outer case and the inner tube. It allows controlled movement while filtering out torsion and bending forces, transmitting only axial compression forces to the load cell for accurate weight measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional load cell housings are used, then load cell protection is provided, but the housing is too bulky for cluttered containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload cell protectionVSAvoidhousing size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The design implements nested structures where the load cell is housed within the inner tube, which is in turn housed within the outer case. The roller sleeve is positioned between these nested components, maximizing space utilization while maintaining protective functionality in a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If load cells are used without force limiting, then measurement range is extended, but the load cells risk damage from excessive forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload weight rangeVSAvoidload cell safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roller sleeve with bearings provides a mechanical cushioning system that limits the maximum compression force transmitted to the load cell. This pre-established force limitation protects the load cell from damage during operations involving heavy or unexpected loads, while still allowing measurement across a wide weight range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Productivity

If load cells are exposed to compressed air or vacuum environments, then robotic system functionality is maintained, but the load cell measurements become unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobotic system operationVSAvoidweight measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic system is extracted and isolated from the load cell measurement path. Compressed air or vacuum is applied to the outer case and roller sleeve mechanisms, which do not affect the load cell measurements, thereby maintaining robotic system functionality while ensuring measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 structural load cell case enhances the mechanical robustness and accuracy of weight measurements in robotic systems by limiting transferred forces and eliminating the effects of fluid pressure, ensuring reliable operation in dynamic environments.

Implementation Method 1

The roller sleeve includes a plurality of roller bearings in contact with the inner tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The flexible joint is a compression spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11338447B2Structural load cell cases for encasing sensors in robotic systems

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 XYZ ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A structural load cell case for a pick and place robotic system that prevents torsion, bending, and overloading from damaging sensors is disclosed. The structural load cell case includes a base, an inner tube that houses the load cell, and a roller sleeve outside the inner tube. The base is adapted to connect to a load and includes a compression spring interfaced with a first part of the load cell. The roller sleeve includes a plurality of roller bearings in contact with the inner tube. The inner tube is free to slide along an axis of the roller sleeve up to pre-determined limits, but is constrained from rotating or translating in directions other than the axis of the roller sleeve.