Compliant Robot Bumper With Membrane Switch Impact Zoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot bumper systems are inefficient in detecting impact location, force, and direction due to mechanical complexities, weight, and aesthetic issues, limiting their ability to accurately sense impacts and protect the robot from physical contact.
Innovation Solution
A robot bumper assembly featuring membrane switch arrays with conductive layers and a force transmission layer that senses impacts on the robot's periphery, allowing for precise detection of impact location and force through a flexible and aesthetically pleasing design without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid bumper with coil springs is used, then impact energy absorption is improved, but device complexity and mechanical failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based impact absorption system with an elastomeric material that provides both impact absorption and structural support. The elastomeric bumper body eliminates the need for coil springs and rigid mounting hardware, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining impact energy absorption capabilities through the material's inherent elasticity and damping properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with an elastomeric bumper body integrated with a circuit board containing sensor arrays. This composite structure combines the shock-absorbing properties of elastomeric materials with the sensing capabilities of electronic circuits, eliminating separate mechanical mounting systems while providing both protection and detection functions.
2Device complexity
If carbon puck bumper structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but weight increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin elastomeric bumper body that is lightweight yet effective at impact absorption. This flexible shell structure replaces the heavy carbon puck construction while maintaining bumper functionality. The elastomeric material provides sufficient cushioning and protection with minimal weight, and the integrated circuit board eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware.
3Measurement precision
If rigid bumper spaced from chassis is used, then impact detection capability is improved, but visual seams and pinch points are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bumper body directly with the robot chassis through integral mounting of the elastomeric bumper, eliminating visual seams and gaps. The circuit board with sensor arrays is embedded within the elastomeric material, combining the protective bumper function with impact detection capability in a single integrated structure that maintains smooth exterior surfaces without pinch points.
4Device complexity
If two switches are used for impact detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of impact location and force decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the impact detection capability into multiple independent sensor elements arranged in arrays across the elastomeric bumper body. Each sensor element can independently detect impact events, allowing precise localization of impact location and measurement of impact force through the elastomeric material's deformation. This segmented approach provides comprehensive coverage without requiring complex mechanical switch assemblies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides robust and accurate impact detection with a virtually unlimited number of zones, eliminating mechanical complexities and visual seams, while being lightweight and aesthetically appealing, enabling the robot to effectively navigate and protect itself from various impact scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The bumper is constructed from an elastomeric material that is resilient and absorbs the energy from an impact
Implementation Method 2
a force transmission layer that senses impacts on the robot's periphery, allowing for precise detection of impact location and force
Data Source
AI summary
A robot bumper including a bumper body having a forward surface and a top surface angling away from the forward surface. The bumper body conforms to a shape of a received robot chassis. The robot bumper also includes a force absorbing layer disposed on the bumper body, a membrane switch layer comprising a plurality of electrical contacts arranged along the top surface of the bumper body, and a force transmission layer disposed between the force absorbing layer and the membrane switch layer. The force transmission layer includes a plurality of force transmitting elements configured to transmit force to the membrane switch layer.