Robot arm structure
US5567110A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20323
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is a flexible robot arm structure utilizing an elongate skeletal frame member which can be controlled to assume any of a number of curved shapes as in the performance of automated operations. The arm functions somewhat like the body of a snake or an elephant's trunk. The skeletal frame defines a plurality of similar elemental segments disclosed in the form of disc-like structures as well as turns in a helical loading configuration. The helical form includes interleaved flexible helix members interconnected in a chain-link form. Displacement of sections in the arm is accomplished by the action of two separate mechanisms. A deflection mechanism provides power to flex or curve an arm section while a distribution mechanism distributes the curvature along the length of the arm to seek a smooth, circular curve. Illustrative embodiments use hydraulic actuators integral with the frame; however, equivalents are disclosed. The resulting arm is a highly repetitive, mechanical structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.