September 9, 2013 - ATI Industrial Automation Introduces SR-48 Robotic Collision Sensor, designed to absorb the “crash” and reset itself, virtually eliminating tool damage, downtime, and the need for human intervention. It can be used in a variety of applications, including arc welding. Several benefits and features of the low-cost Collision Sensor include: high repeatability, large moment and torsional rotation, generous range of motion, an optional spring that provides two trip-points, consistent break-away response, energy absorption, flexible mounting surfaces, automatic reset, rugged design for axial compliance, and adjustable sensitivity.
In operation, the Collision Sensor is adjusted to support typical loads experienced by the robot arm in all directions: angular, compression, and torsional. During the collision, the SR-48 Collision Sensor can comply large distances in response to any type of displacement force. This gives the robot controller ample time to take corrective action. Following the crash, the Collision Sensor uses precise locating components to reset within 0.001-inch of its original position.
Breakaway points are set at a given pressure independent of angular, compressive axial, or torsional load. The Collision Sensor has flexible mounting surfaces (easy-to-use threaded or through-hole patterns), reducing the stack height of the tooling and Collisions Sensor assembly. A 3-wire PNP proximity switch, set to actuate within 0.020 inch of axial motion, ensures reliable switch performance even in highly humid environments.
