Welding Robot Arm Layout for Wider Reach in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot designs for welding tasks face limitations in movable range and width due to restricted arm configurations, leading to inefficiencies and increased gaps with surrounding machines and devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-articular robot system with a base plate, first arm, second arm, third arm, and distal-end swingable portion, where each arm is rotatable around specific axes, allowing for increased movable range and reduced width by parallel axis configurations and optimized cable routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional seven-joint robot configuration is used, then the robot structure is simple, but the movable range is limited and the width is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a parallel axis configuration where the first, second, and third arms rotate around axes that are parallel to each other, rather than using traditional sequential perpendicular axes. This dimensional reorganization allows the end effector to achieve a larger movable range while keeping the overall robot width compact, as the parallel axes enable more efficient spatial utilization of the arm movements.
2Length of stationary object
If the robot width is reduced, then gaps with surrounding equipment are minimized, but the movable range may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By reconfiguring the arm rotation axes to be parallel rather than perpendicular, the patent achieves a compact robot width while maintaining extensive movable range. The parallel axis arrangement allows the arms to move more efficiently in the vertical and horizontal directions without requiring excessive lateral space, thus reducing the overall robot width without compromising operational reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a distal-end swingable portion that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic component allows the end effector to access areas that would otherwise require a wider robot body, enabling the robot to maintain a compact width while achieving a large effective movable range through dynamic positioning adjustments.
3Productivity
If cable routing is optimized, then operational efficiency and durability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable management system by providing separate cable routing paths for different cables (power cable, control cable, and welding cable). Each cable type has its own designated route and protection mechanism, which simplifies installation and maintenance while improving operational efficiency. The segmentation prevents cable entanglement and reduces wear, thereby enhancing durability without requiring overly complex integrated management systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot includes a base plate rotatable around a rotation axis, a first arm connected to the base plate at a first axis which is perpendicular to the rotation axis and around which the first arm is rotatable, a second arm connected to the first arm at a second axis which is parallel to the first axis and around which the second arm is rotatable, a third arm connected to the second arm at a third axis which is parallel to the first axis and around which the third arm is rotatable, a turnable link connected to the third arm at a fourth axis which is perpendicular to the third axis and around which the turnable link is rotatable, a distal-end swingable portion connected to the turnable link at a fifth axis which is perpendicular to the fourth axis and around which the distal-end swingable portion is rotatable, a distal end connected to the distal-end swingable portion at a sixth axis which is perpendicular to the fifth axis and around which the distal end is rotatable, and a welder connected to the distal end.