Swivel Attachment Mechanism for Industrial Robot Tool Exchange
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robots with traditional six-axis manipulators face inefficiencies when switching between different tools, particularly non-rotation symmetrical tools, requiring recalibration and complex detachment of arms, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A swivel device with multiple attachment devices allowing for specific angular positioning and arbitrary angular positioning of tools, enabling easy exchange between tools like gripping and rotation symmetrical tools without recalibration, using radial and central threaded borings for increased precision and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional six-axis manipulator is used to manipulate different kinds of products requiring different tools, then the robot can handle various geometric shapes, but it requires recalibration and complex detachment of arms which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means is divided into multiple independent attachment devices (first attachment device for non-rotation symmetrical tools, second attachment device for rotation symmetrical tools, third attachment device for suction tools). This segmentation allows each device to be independently selected and attached based on the specific tool requirements, eliminating the need for complex arm detachment and recalibration when changing tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel is designed with multiple attachment devices that can accommodate different types of tools (gripping tools, rotation symmetrical tools, suction tools) on a single platform. This multi-functionality allows the robot to handle various product types without requiring multiple specialized manipulators or complex reconfiguration procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plate on which the tool is to be attached is exchanged to use different tools, then different tool types can be used, but it requires detaching the arms of the robot which is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment devices for different tool types are merged into a single integrated swivel assembly. This allows all attachment functions to be accessed from one location without requiring separate arm detachments or plate exchanges, simplifying the overall device structure and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The different attachment devices are pre-configured on the swivel in advance. When a tool change is needed, the operator simply selects and attaches the appropriate pre-configured device without needing to perform complex arm detachments or reconfigurations during operation.
3Device complexity
If a single attachment device is used for all tool types, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide specific angular positioning for non-rotation symmetrical tools
Solution Approach 1:
Different attachment devices are designed with locally optimized characteristics: the first attachment device provides specific angular positioning capabilities for non-rotation symmetrical tools, while the second and third devices provide simpler attachment mechanisms for rotation symmetrical and suction tools respectively. Each local attachment device is tailored to the specific requirements of the tool type it accommodates.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial robot device includes a swivel with an attachment mechanism for the attachment of a tool. The attachment mechanism includes at least two different attachment devices for two different kinds of tools. A first attachment device includes a positioning mechanism defining a certain angular position of an attached tool relative to the swivel. A second attachment device is arranged for allowing an arbitrary angular position of an attached tool relative to the swivel. Also contemplated is an industrial robot that is provided with the invented device and to a method for manipulating objects.