Wireless Robot Programming via Radio-Frequency Logic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial robot programming systems face challenges with cable-based connections, which limit operator mobility, are prone to wear and tear, and can lead to confusion and safety risks due to the need for precise physical connections and frequent handling of removable modules.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system between a portable terminal and the robot control unit using radio-frequency signals, with a Docking Station for secure coupling and decoupling, ensuring a univocal connection through identifying codes and reducing physical handling, thus enhancing safety and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cable connection is used between the portable terminal and the control unit, then the operator can accurately check points and trajectories near the manipulator, but the operator's mobility is limited and the cable is subject to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a wireless communication system using radio-frequency signals. The portable terminal communicates with the control unit through wireless signals, eliminating the physical cable that limited operator mobility while causing wear and tear. This substitution maintains communication functionality while removing the mechanical constraints.
2Reliability
If a removable module with memory means is used for identification, then the terminal can communicate only with the specific control unit, but the implementation becomes more complex and the module is subject to frequent handlings and damages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from a separate removable physical module and integrates it into the control unit's memory system. The identifying code is stored directly in the control unit's memory, and the portable terminal reads this code wirelessly to establish univocal connection. This eliminates the need for separate removable modules while maintaining the reliability of specific pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit's memory system serves multiple functions: it stores the identifying code for wireless communication pairing and also performs the identification function that previously required a separate removable module. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining univocal connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used between the terminal and control unit, then the operator's mobility is improved and cable wear is eliminated, but safety risks increase without definite univocal connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the portable terminal reads the identifying code from the control unit's memory, verifies the univocal connection, and only then enables wireless communication for manual control. This feedback loop ensures that the operator is connected to the correct control unit before allowing operation, maintaining safety while enabling wireless mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and verification actions before establishing wireless communication for manual control. The terminal first reads and verifies the identifying code, establishes univocal connection, and only then allows the operator to control the manipulator wirelessly. This preliminary action ensures safety is established before mobility is enabled.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables safe, versatile, and efficient programming and manual control of industrial robots by eliminating cable constraints, reducing wear and tear, and minimizing operator errors through secure wireless communication and logical coupling procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit for wireless data exchange is designed to communicate in wireless mode with the control unit, preferably in radio-frequency but possibly also in ultrasound or infrared radiation or radiation in another frequency field
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial robot includes a manipulator (1) having a control unit (2) and a portable terminal (3), the unit and the terminal being able to communicate in wireless mode for executing a robot programming session. The unit (2) and the terminal (3) are configured so as to implement a step of mutual logic coupling, which is required so as to enable the programming session, only when the terminal (3) is in a substantially predefined physical position (5) close to the unit (2).