Design Focus | Engineering Guidelines |
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Material Selection & Durability | Use lightweight, high-strength materials such as aluminum alloys (6061, 7075) or carbon fiber composites for structural components. For wear-prone parts like gears and actuators, select hardened steels (e.g., 4140, 8620) or stainless steel for corrosion resistance and durability. |
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Motion Design & Kinematics | Apply robotic kinematics and dynamics analysis for smooth, efficient movement. Use servo motors with low-backlash gearboxes for precise control. Design linkages and joints to reduce friction and wear, ensuring low resistance and high reliability over long operating cycles. |
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Precision & Tolerances | Specify tight tolerances for critical components that ensure precise alignment and fit, especially for actuators, bearings, and robotic arms. Use GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to define allowable variations and control form, fit, and function. |
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Wear Resistance & Lubrication | Design parts with self-lubricating materials or provide lubrication channels for long-lasting performance. For high-load, high-wear applications, select materials like bronze, UHMW-PE, or PEEK for bearings and sliding surfaces. Use solid lubricants or grease for high-speed motion applications. |
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Heat Management & Thermal Dissipation | Design for effective heat dissipation, especially in high-power motors or high-load components. Use copper or aluminum heat sinks, and apply thermal interface materials (TIMs) like thermal paste or graphite sheets to enhance heat transfer. Consider active cooling (fans or heat pipes) for higher power robots. |
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Assembly & Fastening | Design components for easy assembly, focusing on modularity and standardized fasteners (e.g., M5, M6 screws, and locking nuts). Use quick-release or snap-fit mechanisms for modular robots that require frequent disassembly or maintenance. Ensure alignment features to simplify assembly and reduce errors. |
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Sealing & Environmental Protection | For robots operating in harsh environments (e.g., outdoors, underwater, or industrial plants), design with sealing to IP65 or higher. Use O-rings, gaskets, and seals to protect motors, sensors, and electronics from dust, moisture, and chemicals. Apply protective coatings like powder coating or anodizing for added durability. |
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Electronics Integration & EMI Shielding | Integrate PCBAs with proper grounding and shielding for EMC compliance. Use conductive coatings or shields for sensitive components like sensors and communication circuits. Ensure connectors and wiring harnesses are routed to minimize noise and interference, complying with IEC 61000 standards for electromagnetic compatibility. |
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Power Supply & Battery Design | Select high-efficiency power supplies and batteries for robotics applications, considering factors like voltage, current, and runtime. Design battery compartments with easy access for replacement, and provide thermal protection to prevent overheating in high-demand environments. Use Li-ion or Li-poly batteries for energy-dense applications. |
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Inspection & Quality Assurance (QA) | Implement stringent quality control processes, including 100% dimensional inspection for critical parts. Use automated vision systems or CMM (coordinate measuring machines) for precision verification of parts such as gears, motors, and arms. Perform accelerated life-cycle testing to ensure long-term reliability in robotic applications. |
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Regulatory Compliance & Safety Standards | Ensure compliance with international standards such as ISO 10218 for industrial robots, IEC 61508 for functional safety, and ANSI/RIA R15.06 for robotic system safety. Maintain full traceability of materials, components, and manufacturing processes for regulatory audits and product certifications. |