Autonomous Rolling Arrangements for Space-Saving Device Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for moving devices like furniture and movable walls are not efficient in autonomously rearranging multiple objects in a room without requiring additional space or complex external robot coordination.

Innovation Solution

A rolling arrangement integrated into devices, featuring a partly hollow housing with a rolling element, wireless receiver, control device, position acquisition means, driving mechanism, and power supply, allowing autonomous movement based on wireless control signals and position data, enabling self-driven movement from one position to another.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a rolling device with wireless control is used to move devices autonomously, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration of wireless receiver, control device, position means, driving means, and power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous movement capabilityVSAvoidsystem component integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (wireless receiver, control device, position means, driving means, and power supply) into a single integrated rolling arrangement that attaches to the device to be moved. This merging approach enables autonomous movement capability while consolidating complexity into a unified system rather than requiring separate coordinated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling arrangement is equipped with its own power supply, control device, and position means, enabling it to autonomously determine and execute movement from a first position to a second position without requiring external robot coordination or additional space for external manipulating devices. The system serves itself by independently acquiring position data and controlling its own movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If multiple external robots are used to manipulate and move objects, then the productivity of moving multiple objects is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to move multiple objectsVSAvoidcoordination of multiple external robots
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each device to be moved is equipped with its own rolling arrangement containing autonomous control capabilities, position means, and driving means. This eliminates the need for external robot coordination systems and reduces the complexity of manipulating multiple objects, as each object independently determines and executes its own movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the control and movement functionality from external robot systems and relocates it directly onto the devices to be moved. By integrating the rolling arrangement with wireless receiver, control device, and driving means into each device, the system removes the complexity of external coordination while maintaining the capability to move multiple objects efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If passive rolling devices are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the extent of automation deteriorates as manual guidance is still required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of rolling mechanismVSAvoidautonomous position control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling arrangement incorporates position means (such as GPS, RFID, or other positioning systems) and a control device that automatically determines the current position and executes movement to the desired position without requiring manual guidance. The system independently acquires position data, processes movement instructions, and controls the driving means to achieve autonomous movement while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical guidance with an automated system combining wireless communication, electronic position sensing, and computer-controlled driving mechanisms. The wireless receiver receives movement instructions, the control device processes position data and control algorithms, and the driving means executes precise movement, substituting manual operation with automated electronic-mechanical integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3355148B8A system for autonomously repositioning a device attached to rolling devices
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 WHEEL ME AS

AI summary

A rolling arrangement 10, system and method for autonomously moving the device from a first position to a second position along a surface. This is made possible by arranging the following devices in the rolling arrangement 10: a wireless receiver, a control device, position acquiring means, driving means for driving a rolling element 20, and power supply providing power to the electronic devices.