Cable management? Put some back into it!
'Robotrax' - a new cable management system whose design takes one or
two cues from the structure of the human spine - is described by its
manufacturer as being the first truly three-dimensional cable carrier for
robotic applications
Robotrax is a new cable management system from Kabelschlepp Metool that
can carry power and control cabling, as well as hydraulic hoses and
air/coolant lines to the business end of a robot. Nothing particularly
remarkable about that, you might say. This cable carrier, however, will
perform both 360° circular and multi-axial 'arm and hand' movements
without disrupting these supply lines, and is well adapted to six-axis
robots with a repertoire of complex multi-directional movements. The
system replaces more conventional conduits and chain-type carriers,
within which chafing of hoses and/or cables can occur.
Kabelschlepp's design resembles the human spine; it comprises identical,
circular polyoximethylene (POM) mouldings that snap together to form a
continuous, flexible assembly of any length, that is further strengthened
by a steel wire 'spinal cord'. This runs through a hole in the centre of
each link and is secured at either end. The 'vertebrae' join together via
an integral ball-and-socket arrangement that allows 4° rotation and a
bending radius of 150mm. Power and service lines are carried in three
chambers around the perimeter of each moulding; assembly is simply a
matter of pressing cables and hoses into the appropriate compartment, via
slits in its outer surface.