Tool Exchange Device Internal Power Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tool exchange devices for industrial robots face challenges in downsizing and maintaining rated power output due to the need to expose and manage cables externally, which restricts robot operation and increases moment generation.
Innovation Solution
The tool exchange device integrates connector portions within the joining surfaces of the male and female members, allowing for internal routing of power supply paths without external exposure, enabling mechanical and electrical connections without the need for external cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector portion is arranged on the outside of the male main body and female main body, then the cable can be connected to the connector portion, but the cable restricts the operation of the robot and requires additional space for cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portion is merged with the male main body and female main body, forming an integrated structure where the connector is provided inside the male main body. This combines the mechanical coupling function and electrical connection function into a single unified component, eliminating the need for separate external cable management structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portion is nested inside the male main body, with the cable arranged within the internal space of the male main body. This nesting approach allows the cable to be housed within the existing structural envelope, eliminating the need for external cable routing and reducing the overall space requirement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector portion is arranged on the outside of the male main body and female main body, then the cable can be connected to the connector portion, but a space for pulling out the cable is required between the distal end of the robot and the male member
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portion is merged with the male main body and female main body, forming an integrated structure where the connector is provided inside the male main body. This combines the mechanical coupling function and electrical connection function into a single unified component, eliminating the need for separate external cable management structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector portion is nested inside the male main body, with the cable arranged within the internal space of the male main body. This nesting approach allows the cable to be housed within the existing structural envelope, eliminating the need for external cable routing and reducing the overall space requirement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cable is pulled out to the outside at a distal end of the robot, then the cable can be connected to the connector portion, but the moment generated on the robot is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portion is merged with the male main body and female main body, forming an integrated structure where the connector is provided inside the male main body. This combines the mechanical coupling function and electrical connection function into a single unified component, eliminating the need for separate external cable management structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is extracted from the external routing path and repositioned to be arranged within the male main body. This extraction removes the cable from the external environment where it would create leverage and moment, relocating it to an internal position where it is constrained and does not generate harmful moments on the robot.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool exchange device includes a male member and a female member. The male member is attached to a side of a main body of an apparatus. The female member is attached to a side of a tool. The male member and the female member includes a plurality of coupling portions mechanically connected to each other, and a connector portion that connects a power supply path arranged in the main body and the tool to each other. The plurality of coupling portions and the connector portion are provided in each of joining surfaces of the male member and the female member. The plurality of coupling portions are arranged around the connector portion.