Autonomous dispensing effector unit for a robotic arm

{
  "publication_number": "US11998944B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Autonomous dispensing effector unit for a robotic arm",
  "abstract": "The present invention relates to an autonomous dispensing effector unit for a robotic arm, comprising an effector body, a fluid container attached to the effector body, a dispensing actuator unit attached to the effector body, a controlling means for controlling the dispensing from the effector unit, and an interface to the controlling means providing power to the autonomous dispensing effector unit, wherein the dispensing actuator unit and/or the effector body is in fluid communication with the fluid container.",
  "claims": [
    "1. An autonomous dispensing effector unit for a robotic arm, comprising: an effector body, a fluid container attached to the effector body, the fluid container comprises an interior volume configured to hold a fluid to be dispensed, a dispensing actuator unit attached to the effector body, a controller configured to control dispensing from the effector unit, and an interface to the controller configured to provide power to the autonomous dispensing effector unit, wherein the dispensing actuator unit and/or the effector body is in fluid communication with the interior volume of the fluid container wherein the dispensing actuator unit further comprises a mechanical screw configured to dispense the fluid from the fluid container, the mechanical screw being in fluid communication with the interior volume.",
    "2. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, further comprising a motor configured to drive the mechanical screw.",
    "3. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein the fluid container comprises an energy source detached from an energy source of the dispensing actuator unit.",
    "4. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein the fluid container is slidably arranged on the effector body.",
    "5. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing effector unit comprises an electrical interface to the controller.",
    "6. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein pressure in the fluid container is obtained by an energy source different from an energy source driving the dispensing actuator unit.",
    "7. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 6, wherein the energy source for the fluid container is a spring, pressurized air, a battery-driven motor or gas.",
    "8. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein the effector body is integrated into either the fluid container or the dispensing actuator unit.",
    "9. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein the fluid to be dispensed is a high viscous fluid.",
    "10. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein an interface from the effector body to the fluid container is a tongue and groove connection.",
    "11. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 10, wherein the tongue and groove is dovetail shaped.",
    "12. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein the fluid container comprises a spring-loaded piston.",
    "13. An autonomous dispensing effector unit according to claim 1, wherein the effector body comprises an effector flange arranged between the controller and the fluid dispensing actuator unit.",
    "14. A method dispensing fluids in patterns according to the movement of the robotic arm to which it is mounted, using the autonomous dispensing effector unit of claim 1."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2020/072281 filed 7 Aug. 2020, which designated the U.S. and claims priority to EP Patent Application No. 19190710.4 filed 8 Aug. 2019, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.\n\nThe present invention relates to an autonomous dispensing effector unit for a robotic arm.\n\nFor many years, robots have been an alternative to manual labour. In this context, the robots discussed in the present application are robotic arms and not humanoid robots - the terms robotic arm and robot will be used interchangeably. The cost of purchasing a robot has dropped significantly over the last years. Furthermore, robots are becoming increasingly easy to re-programme, and hence, the use of robots is likely to change during its service in a company. Traditionally, the primary functions of robots have been welding, grabbing objects and vision systems for controlling the appearance of objects. The easy reprogramming of robots renders it feasible over time to change the job function performed by a robot, i.e. to introduce a much more flexible and adaptable approach to the use of the robot. However, the robotic arm still needs to be equipped with an end effector, effector or end of arm unit in order to perform the desired function. In robotics, an effector or end effector is considered to be the device at the end of a robotic arm, designed to interact with the environment. The exact nature of this device depends on the application of the robot.",
  "cpc": [
    "B05C 5/0225",
    "B05C 5/0216",
    "B25J 15/0019"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B05C 5/02",
    "B25J 15/00"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Aim Robotics Aps"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Mie Haraldsted HICKMOTT",
    "Henrik Haraldsted",
    "Karlis AKIS"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2020-08-07",
  "publication_date": "2024-06-04",
  "grant_date": "2024-06-04",
  "priority_date": "2019-08-08",
  "application_number": "US-202017630376-A",
  "family_id": "67587474",
  "cited_by_count": 0,
  "citations": [
    "US5165961A",
    "US20040124292A1",
    "US20100260531A1",
    "US20100180711A1",
    "US20160263615A1"
  ]
}