Unified Operating Device for Multi-Manipulator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling multiple industrial robots require multiple operating devices, leading to cable management issues and limited flexibility, as well as the need for multiple operators to simultaneously depress permission switches, which restricts coordinated movement and flexibility in operations.
Innovation Solution
A single common operating device connects to multiple control units, allowing direct influence over manipulators through movement-relevant control signals and displaying operating surfaces, with real-time and non-real-time processing areas, and uses separate data channels for efficient signal and image transmission, enabling coordinated movement and flexible operation independent of individual control unit capacities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple operating devices are used for multiple manipulators, then each manipulator can be controlled individually, but cable management becomes complex and operators cannot reliably associate operating devices with manipulators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operating devices into a single operating device that can control multiple manipulators. The control unit provides a unified operating interface that displays and controls all manipulators, eliminating the need for multiple separate operating devices and their associated cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating device is designed with universal functionality to control multiple different manipulators. The control unit presents a plurality of operating surfaces for different manipulators on a single device, allowing one device to perform the function of multiple devices.
2Reliability
If multiple operating devices are used with permission switches, then safety can be maintained for each manipulator, but multiple operators must simultaneously depress permission switches which restricts coordinated movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple permission switches into a single permission switch on the unified operating device. This single switch controls the operational state of all manipulators simultaneously, allowing one operator to coordinate movement without requiring multiple operators to act in unison.
Solution Approach 2:
The single permission switch serves multiple functions by controlling the operational permission for all manipulators through a single interface. This multi-functional switch eliminates the need for multiple operators while maintaining safety controls.
3Device complexity
If a common control is used for several manipulators, then cable management is simplified, but the number of operable robots is limited by the capacities of the individual control units
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with universal capability to control an arbitrary number of manipulators through a single operating device. The system architecture allows the control unit to present operating surfaces for multiple manipulators without being constrained by the limitations of traditional individual control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adapts its operating surfaces based on which manipulator is currently selected or active. The system can switch between controlling different manipulators as needed, providing flexible and dynamic control capability rather than being statically limited to a fixed number of manipulators.
4Ease of operation
If individual control units are used for each manipulator, then each manipulator can be controlled independently, but it is not possible to move all manipulators in a coordinated manner when the number exceeds control unit capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides universal control capability for multiple manipulators through a single operating device. The system can switch between different manipulators and coordinate their movement as needed, maintaining independent control capability while enabling coordinated operation of arbitrary numbers of manipulators.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically switches between controlling different manipulators based on selection input from the operator. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to maintain independent control of each manipulator while also enabling coordinated movement when multiple manipulators need to work together.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for controlling a plurality of manipulators with a large number of control units associated with the manipulators in such a way that each control unit controls at least one manipulator, are characterized in that an operating device accesses several control units for controlling the manipulators. Thus, it is possible according to the invention to operate even very closely juxtaposed manipulators without any crossing and interlacing of the connecting channels between the operating devices and control units which would prevent a reliable association in operation. The invention also makes it possible for only one operator to operate cooperating robots.