Wireless Workpiece Detection Mechanism for Vacuum End Effector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece detection mechanisms in vacuum chambers face issues with wire damage and restricted movement due to wire connections between sensors and communication units, and they fail to detect workpiece drops immediately outside predetermined positions.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece detection mechanism with a sensor, amplifier, battery, and wireless transmitter integrated into the end effector, using contactless charging and a thermally insulated housing to prevent wire damage and movement restriction, allowing immediate detection of workpiece drops at any position during conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are arranged over the arm and end effector to connect the sensor to the communication unit, then the sensor can detect workpiece drops immediately at any position, but the wires may be damaged by movement and the end effector movement range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful wires from the system by implementing wireless communication. The sensor, communication unit, and power supply are integrated into the end effector, eliminating the need for physical wire connections between moving and stationary parts. This allows the end effector to move freely without wire damage risks while maintaining reliable workpiece drop detection capability.
2Reliability
If the sensor is arranged in the end effector to detect workpiece at any position, then workpiece drop detection is immediate, but wires connecting sensor to communication unit are damaged by movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection system with a wireless communication system. The sensor, communication unit, and power supply are all integrated into the end effector, eliminating physical wires that would be subject to mechanical stress and damage during movement. This substitution maintains immediate workpiece drop detection while eliminating wire durability issues.
3Ease of manufacture
If wires connect the sensor to the communication unit and power supply, then the system can function, but the movement range of the end effector is restricted to prevent wire damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the constraining wires from the system by implementing complete wireless integration. The sensor, communication unit, and power supply are all housed within the end effector, eliminating external wire connections that restrict movement. This maintains full system functionality while maximizing end effector adaptability and movement range.
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 prevents wire damage and movement restriction, enables immediate detection of workpiece drops, and maintains airtightness while allowing unrestricted end effector movement, ensuring reliable and continuous operation within the vacuum chamber.
Implementation Method 1
a battery part supplying electric power to the sensor amplifier part
Implementation Method 2
a wireless transmitting part transmitting by wireless the signal from the sensor amplifier part to an outside of the vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece detection mechanism may include a sensor part detecting the workpiece; a sensor amplifier part connected to the sensor part and processing a signal from the sensor part; a battery part supplying electric power to the sensor amplifier part; and a wireless transmitting part transmitting by wireless the signal from the sensor amplifier part to an outside of the vacuum chamber. The sensor part, the sensor amplifier part, the battery part and the wireless transmitting part may be provided in one end effector provided in the workpiece transfer mechanism and are not connected directly to any member other than the end effector.