Tool Exchange Device Auxiliary Projection Gap Design

Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial robot tool exchange devices face challenges in torsional torque resistance, leading to positional deviations and communication abnormalities due to increased weight and center of gravity of tools, which complicates coupling and decoupling operations and deteriorates operability.

Innovation Solution

A tool exchange device with a first coupling member featuring a first pin, a second pin, and an auxiliary projection, and a second coupling member with corresponding holes, where the auxiliary projection's gap is larger than the primary gaps, enhancing torsional torque resistance without affecting teaching operability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the number of tapered pins is increased from two to three to improve torsional torque resistance, then the torsional torque resistance is improved, but the alignment precision requirement increases and teaching operability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorsional torque resistanceVSAvoidteaching operability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different gap sizes for different pin-hole pairs. The first gap (between tapered pins and holes) is smaller than the second gap (between auxiliary projection and auxiliary hole), allowing the tapered pins to provide precise alignment during teaching while the larger second gap prevents interference during coupling under torsional torque. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by making each gap serve its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the coupling mechanism into two functional groups: tapered pins with smaller gaps for precise alignment and teaching operations, and auxiliary projections with larger gaps for preventing interference under load. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its behavior for its specific purpose, improving both torsional torque resistance and teaching operability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If gaps are provided between tapered pins and holes to enable smooth coupling and decoupling, then the coupling operation is improved, but positional deviation occurs under torsional torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling operationVSAvoidpositional deviation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different gap sizes for different pin-hole pairs. The first gap (between tapered pins and holes) is smaller than the second gap (between auxiliary projection and auxiliary hole), allowing the tapered pins to provide precise alignment during teaching while the larger second gap prevents interference during coupling under torsional torque. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by making each gap serve its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary projection with the larger second gap acts as a preemptive cushioning element that prevents excessive positional deviation before it can cause communication abnormalities. By providing this additional clearance in advance, the system protects against the harmful effects of torsional torque while maintaining coupling precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If the gap between tapered pins and holes is reduced to minimize positional deviation, then the alignment precision is improved, but the coupling and decoupling operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidcoupling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different gap sizes for different pin-hole pairs. The first gap (between tapered pins and holes) is smaller than the second gap (between auxiliary projection and auxiliary hole), allowing the tapered pins to provide precise alignment during teaching while the larger second gap prevents interference during coupling under torsional torque. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by making each gap serve its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12179339B2Tool replacing device

Publication Date: 2024.12.31 NITTA CORP

AI summary

A tool exchange device includes a first coupling member attached to one of a body side of an apparatus and a tool side and having a first coupling surface, and a second coupling member attached to the other of the body side and the tool side and having a second coupling surface capable of being in contact with the first coupling surface, in which the first coupling member includes, on the first coupling surface, a first pin, a second pin, and an auxiliary projection, the second coupling member includes, on the second coupling surface, a first hole, a second hole, and an auxiliary hole, a first gap is provided each between the first pin and the first hole and between the second pin and the second hole, a second gap is provided between the auxiliary projection and the auxiliary hole, and the second gap is larger than the first gap.