18060925. CONTINUUM ROBOT simplified abstract (CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA)
Contents
CONTINUUM ROBOT
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
DAISUKE Kaneko of Kanagawa (JP)
YUSUKE Niikawa of Kanagawa (JP)
YASUMICHI Arimitsu of Kanagawa (JP)
ISAO Matsuoka of Kanagawa (JP)
CONTINUUM ROBOT - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18060925 titled 'CONTINUUM ROBOT
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes a patent application for a continuum robot with a bendable body and motors that drive linear members to bend the body. The robot also includes intermediate supporting shafts, connection members, and output shafts that convert rotation into rectilinear motion.
- The patent application is for a continuum robot with a bendable body and motors that drive linear members to bend the body.
- The robot includes intermediate supporting shafts and connection members that connect the linear members and the output shafts.
- The output shafts are offset outside from the linear members and are configured to convert rotation into rectilinear motion.
- The intermediate supporting shafts are offset outside from the linear members and inside from the output shafts.
- The connection members allow for the rectilinear movement of the intermediate supporting shafts.
Potential Applications
- Medical procedures: The continuum robot could be used in minimally invasive surgeries or endoscopic procedures.
- Industrial automation: The robot could be used in manufacturing processes that require precise and flexible movements.
- Search and rescue operations: The robot could be used in situations where access is limited, such as collapsed buildings or hazardous environments.
Problems Solved
- Limited flexibility: The continuum robot provides a bendable body that can navigate through tight spaces and around obstacles.
- Lack of precision: The motors and connection members allow for precise control and movement of the robot.
- Inefficient design: The offset pitch circles and conversion of rotation into rectilinear motion optimize the robot's design for efficient movement.
Benefits
- Flexibility: The bendable body and precise control of the robot allow for increased flexibility in various applications.
- Precision: The motors and connection members enable precise movements, making the robot suitable for delicate tasks.
- Efficiency: The optimized design of the robot improves its efficiency and effectiveness in performing tasks.
Original Abstract Submitted
One or more embodiments of a continuum robot may include a bendable body having linear members provided along a first pitch circle, and motors respectively having output shafts provided along a second pitch circle offset outside from the first pitch circle and being configured to respectively drive linear members to bend the bendable body; intermediate supporting shafts provided along a third pitch circle offset outside from the first pitch circle and offset inside from the second pitch circle; first connection members respectively connecting end portions of the linear members and the intermediate supporting shafts to each other; and second connection members respectively connecting the intermediate supporting shafts and the output shafts to each other and configured to convert rotation of each of the output shafts into rectilinear motion to cause each of the intermediate supporting shafts to rectilinearly move.
