Structure and process optimization and performance analysis of carbon fiber composite industrial robot big arm

Lightweighting of the industrial robot can improve the load-to-weight ratio and increase the robot’s movement speed and accuracy. The structure and molding process of the big arm are optimized to reduce weight and enhance performance. The structural optimization changes the metal flange’s fixation method from adhesive bonding to direct pre-embedding, reducing the positioning error of the metal flange. A new molding process has changed the preparation method of the preform from triaxial braiding to a braiding-layering-winding form, enhancing the big arm’s overall performance. The numerically computed braiding trajectory is mapped onto the finite element model to analyze the stiffness and modal of the big arm. Experimental results demonstrate a 23 % reduction in big arm’s weight and a 3.81 % decrease in robot deformation. The fundamental frequencies of the two arms before and after optimization are 490 Hz and 563 Hz, respectively. The optimized arm is less prone to resonance.