Defense Related Robotic Systems

Abstract

A robot quick-release assembly has a first joint member and a robot component mounted thereon, the first joint member has a first coupler and a second joint member, a robot arm mounted thereon has a second coupler, a clamp, and a locking collar. The first coupler can be coaxially aligned with the second coupler and pressed into the second joint member, and detachably connected to the second joint member. The first mechanical coupler is detachably connected to the second mechanical coupler for transferring power across the quick-release assembly. The robot component can receive an additional electrical connector, the additional electrical connector supplying power to the robot component. The quick-release assembly coupling assembly further exerts large forces with the application of a relatively small torque to the locking collar by applying a two stage wedge engagement and can further include a sequencing system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 834,867, filed on Aug. 25, 2015 and entitled “Defense Related Robotic Systems”, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 167,735, filed Jul. 3, 2008, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,144,909 on Sep. 29, 2015 and entitled “Defense Related Robotic Systems”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 958,405, filed on Jul. 5, 2007 and entitled “Defense Related Robotic Systems”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0002]This application relates to a robotic system having a movable robotic arm and, more specifically, to a robotic system having a movable robotic arm with a quick-release assembly for connecting a tool to the robotic arm.Description of the Related Art[0003]Robotic arms often require specialized configurations to accomp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a quick-release assembly for connecting a robotic tool to a robotic arm with a large force and a small torque. The assembly includes a first joint member and a second joint member with a stick and power assembly. The power assembly is placed in the proximal end of the second joint member to reduce the moment of inertia. The assembly can receive all mechanical power from the driveshaft or can have an additional electrical connector supplying power to activate the robot component. The method includes steps of connecting the joint members with a clamp and a collar, and aligning a sequencing guide and a sequencing pin to lock the clamp to the female coupler and release it from the locking collar. The clamp is then moved into engagement with the female coupler and the second joint member is pushed inward to cause a second stage wedge and move the clamp down relative to the first joint member. This allows for a quick and secure connection between the robot arm and the robotic tool.

Problems solved by technology

However, in certain areas, such as military or civilian Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD), this process is too time-consuming and interferes with the time constraints imposed by their urgent mission.

However, some tools may require additional motors, processors, or sensors so connections for electrical power and electrical control signals are also required.

This has resulted in a proliferation of small UGVs, each performing admirably on tasks within each of its subset of core competencies, but is generally unsuitable for tasks that vary too widely from its essential purpose.

It is impractical to expect field teams to carry multiple UGVs, each suited for a specific task.

This reduces the ability of the operator to capitalize on the experience and intuition gained from operating previous robots, because the operator cannot rely on the trained reflexes developed while controlling previous robots.

In fact, these differing control schemes lead to operator errors and inefficient control.

Another approach has been to design new, more capable robots, but this approach has drawbacks because even if a robot were designed and built to perform all of the tasks currently assigned to UGVs, it would quickly become outdated as new tasks and jobs are identified.

Additionally, external variables, such as physical environment, make UGVs designed for one environment wholly impractical for use in another environment, meaning a number of new robot types would need to be designed, tested, and built.