Collapsible Robot Self-Storage for Compact Space Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face challenges in storing and deploying in dynamic environments with optimal physical dimensions, particularly when the dimensions exceed available storage space, necessitating a self-storing capability that allows for compact configuration and re-deployment.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible robot with adjustable body and arms that can extend and retract to match task-specific dimensions, utilizing sensor hardware, motor hardware, and control circuitry for coordinated, collision-free movements, enabling self-storage and self-deployment in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot is designed with large physical dimensions to meet optimal operating requirements, then task performance capability is improved, but storage space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs dynamically adjustable physical dimensions through extendable and retractable body segments and robotic arms. The robot can transform between a compact configuration for storage and an extended configuration for task performance, allowing it to adapt its size to match both storage constraints and operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's body and robotic arms are designed to nest within each other during storage. The robotic arms can be retracted into the body structure, and body segments can be telescoped into one another, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes storage volume while preserving full operational capability when deployed.
2Productivity
If the robot has fixed large dimensions for optimal operation, then operational effectiveness is improved, but ease of storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot transitions from a static fixed-dimension design to a dynamic variable-dimension design. The body length and arm extensions can be automatically adjusted based on whether the robot is in storage mode or operational mode, making storage easy without compromising operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs its own transformation between compact and operational configurations through automated control systems. The robot can autonomously extend its body and arms for task performance and autonomously retract them for storage, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the storage process.
3Volume of moving object
If the robot is designed to be collapsible with adjustable dimensions, then storage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot's body is divided into multiple collapsible segments that can be telescoped into one another. The robotic arms are segmented into extendable sections that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables compact storage while using relatively simple mechanical telescoping mechanisms rather than complex transformation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system coordinates collision-free self-storage of a robot. The robotic system initiates and performs a controlled collapse of the robot into a pre-defined compact geometry that permits self-storage in a confined, compact area when not in use. The system also coordinates collision-free self-deployments of the robot into a deployed geometry suitable for performing autonomous tasks outside of the compact storage area. The system includes a collapsible robot configured to extend and retract at least one robotic arm to perform tasks above a worksurface, a powered docking station positioned below the worksurface and including a power source interface to electrically couple the collapsible robot to a power source, and control circuitry for coordinating movements of the collapsible robot—such as collision-free self-collapse, collision-free self-deployments, and collision-free ingress and egress of the robot into and out of the compact storage area.