Autonomous Pod With Modular Attachments for Hands-Free Sensory Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools that provide sensory experiences require user manipulation, which may not be feasible during episodes of PTSD when the user is alone or unable to maneuver.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous pod system with a body, attachments, sensors, and a propulsion system that can autonomously translate on a user object, providing customizable sensory experiences such as scratching, massaging, and tickling without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual tools are used to provide sensory experience, then the user can control the tool, but the user must manually maneuver the tool which is not feasible during PTSD episodes
Solution Approach 1:
The pod system performs self-navigation and self-operation on the user object without requiring user manipulation. The autonomous pod uses its own propulsion system and sensor array to navigate and provide sensory experiences independently, eliminating the need for user control during PTSD episodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated propulsion system and sensor-based control mechanism. The pod uses motors, wheels, and sensor arrays instead of requiring user hand manipulation to navigate and interact with the user object.
2Extent of automation
If the pod translates autonomously on the user object, then sensory experience is provided without user manipulation, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pod system is divided into distinct functional modules: a body portion, interchangeable attachments for different sensory experiences, a propulsion system with wheels, and a sensor array. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall system manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pod system uses interchangeable attachments that can be coupled to the same body portion, allowing a single platform to provide multiple types of sensory experiences (scratching, massaging, tickling) through different attachment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable attachments are used, then customizable sensory experiences are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized adapter port is provided on the body portion that accepts multiple types of interchangeable attachments. This universal interface allows different sensory experience mechanisms to be coupled to the same platform, enabling customization without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different attachments provide different local sensory experiences at different locations on the user object. The system can target specific areas with appropriate attachments (e.g., scratching attachment for one area, massaging attachment for another), providing customized experiences while keeping the base system simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an autonomous pod system, as described below and defined in the accompanying claims. The autonomous pod system may include a body. The autonomous pod system may include an attachment that may couple with the body and contact a user object. The autonomous pod system may include a sensor that may determine a location of the body or the attachment.