Robotic Joint Device and Robot Arm

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This patent describes a novel robotic joint device that uses a combination of rigid elements and a specific arrangement of actuated and passive ropes to allow two rotational degrees of freedom between two connected parts. The design is lighter, more compact, and simpler than previous solutions, making it particularly suitable for robot arms, especially in collaborative robotic (cobot) applications. The ropes are tensioned and controlled to allow precise and robust movement, and the device can replace two conventional joints with a single, more efficient one.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Collaborative industrial robots (cobots) that work safely alongside humans.
• Lightweight robotic arms for assembly lines and manufacturing automation.
• Medical robotics where precision and low weight are essential (e.g., surgical robots).
• Service robots or household robots that require reliable, compact joints.
• Educational robots used in robotics research and teaching.
• Robotic arms in 3D printing or pick-and-place operations.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduced weight and compact design for improved safety and efficiency.
• Simpler and cheaper to manufacture due to fewer actuators and components.
• High robustness and reliability under load.
• Capable of handling relatively high torques and loads despite lightweight construction.
• Improved degrees-of-freedom-to-actuator ratio, making it efficient for motion control.
• Flexibility to integrate into various robot arm configurations and applications.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A robotic joint device (100) is provided, comprising- a first rigid element (1) with a first central axis (A1) and a second rigid element (2) with a second central axis (A2),- where the first rigid element (1) has a base member (10) and an elongated rod (15) which is rigidly attached to the base member (10), the rod (15) extending along the first central axis (A1) and being aligned with the second central axis (A2) when the joint device is in a central reference position,- where the first rigid element (1) has three or four first anchor points (P1) distributed over the periphery of the first rigid element (1),- where the second rigid (2) element has a corresponding number of second anchor points (P2) distributed over the periphery of the second rigid element (2), and each second anchor point (P2) is connected to a corresponding first anchor point (P1) by an actuated rope (Ra),- where the second rigid element (2) has at least three further anchor points (P3) distributed over the periphery of the second rigid element (2), and each further anchor point (P3) is connected to a tip (17) of the elongated rod (15) of the first rigid element (1) by a passive rope (Rp),- where the total number of actuated ropes (Ra) is three or four and the robotic joint device provides a total of two rotational degrees of freedom.Furthermore, a robot arm (200) with such a robotic joint device (100) is provided.