Tool-Change Device Internal Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool-change devices for industrial robot arms require complex and winding external passages for connecting electrical and service-fluid cables, which compromises the benefits of internal connection arrangements and can lead to interference with robot movement.
Innovation Solution
A tool-change device with an annular body that allows internal connection of the bundle of cables and pipes from the robot arm, featuring openings on its face and inner side walls for direct access and connection, eliminating the need for external access and enabling secure fixing and supply of tools with external power and service fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connections are routed externally through winding passages, then connection accessibility is improved, but device complexity and risk of interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional connection routing approach by providing openings on the inner side walls of the annular body rather than only on the outer surface. This allows connections to be accessed from the inside of the robot wrist, reversing the traditional external access method and enabling direct connection without winding external passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to connection access by creating openings on the inner side walls (radial dimension) in addition to the traditional outer surface openings. This multi-directional access approach eliminates the need for complex winding passages and allows direct routing from the robot arm bundle to the tool connections.
2Reliability
If connections are arranged in a single bundle within the robot arm, then protection and interference prevention are improved, but connection accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection access points by providing multiple openings distributed on both the outer surface and inner side walls of the annular body. This segmentation allows different connections to be accessed from different directions, maintaining the benefits of bundled internal routing while enabling accessible connection points throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular body acts as an intermediary structure that receives the bundled connections from the robot arm and redistributes them through multiple openings. This mediator approach allows the bundle to remain protected internally while providing accessible connection points on both outer and inner surfaces for tool coupling.
3Strength
If clamping elements project from the head, then tool clamping capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping elements are designed to be actuated by pneumatic means that are already part of the robot arm's service connections. The elements project from the head only when needed for clamping, and retract when not in use, allowing the mechanism to serve itself through the robot's existing pneumatic system without requiring additional complex actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a tool-change device, in particular for industrial robot arms, of the type comprising: - an annular body (2) designed to be mounted on the wrist of a robot arm, and having a first face (22) and a second face (24) opposite to one another, outer side walls (26), and inner side walls (28); and - an apparatus (4) for fixing said body to a connection body (6) coupled to said tool. The device is able to provide a totally internal connection between the connections of the robot and the tool.