Curved-Surface Mounting Module With Adjustable Support Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems face challenges in effectively communicating complex operational states to operators, particularly on curved surfaces, with inadequate sensors and interfaces leading to safety risks, inefficiencies, and increased downtime due to the need for custom designs and external technician intervention.
Innovation Solution
A mounting module with a flexible upper substrate and adjustable supporting elements that can conform to curved surfaces, integrating sensors and actuators, providing adaptable and modular solutions for improved communication and safety, while managing cables and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If standard mounting solutions are used on curved robotic surfaces, then installation is simple, but the interface cannot conform to the curvature and maintain consistent dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface is divided into multiple supporting elements (feet and legs) that can independently adjust their alignment. This segmentation allows each element to adapt to the local curvature while maintaining the overall structural integrity and consistent dimensions of the upper substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting elements are designed with adjustable alignment capabilities, allowing them to dynamically adapt to different curvature radii. This dynamic adjustment enables the rigid upper substrate to maintain consistent dimensions while the supporting elements conform to the curved surface beneath.
2Loss of information
If external screens are used for task instructions, then information can be displayed, but operators must shift focus away from the robot's end effector
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface is moved from external screens to the robot's surface by integrating it into the mounting module. This spatial repositioning allows operators to view instructions directly at the robot's location, eliminating the need to shift focus between separate display devices and the end effector.
3Loss of information
If AR interfaces are used for comprehensive information, then detailed instructions are available, but they are heavy, expensive, and cause worker discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the display functionality from heavy AR headsets and integrates it into a lightweight mounting module on the robot. This extraction eliminates the need for workers to wear cumbersome equipment while still providing comprehensive task information through the integrated display and sensor components.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If capacitive sensors are used for proximity detection, then basic detection is possible, but angular resolution is poor and non-conductive obstacles cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting module integrates multiple sensor types including capacitive sensors and other detection components. This combination allows the system to leverage the strengths of different sensor technologies, improving angular resolution and enabling detection of non-conductive obstacles that single sensor types cannot detect.
5Measurement precision
If visual ToF sensors are used for spatial data, then point cloud information is available, but they are large and vulnerable to light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention places sensors at specific locations on the robot's mounting modules rather than using large centralized sensor arrays. This distributed local placement reduces the size of individual sensors, minimizes vulnerability to environmental conditions, and maintains spatial data accuracy through strategic positioning.
6Shape
If custom fixtures are designed for each robot model, then precise mounting is achieved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting module is designed with universal adaptability, allowing the same basic structure to be used across different robot models and curved surfaces. The adjustable supporting elements and configurable sensor integrations enable a single mounting module design to fit multiple applications, eliminating the need for custom fixtures for each robot model while maintaining precise mounting.
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
Enhances human-robot interaction by allowing clear communication of complex states, reducing safety risks, and enabling faster operation with reduced downtime and costs through adaptable, modular, and efficient heat management.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient material may allow for absorption of an impact of the robot with the environment
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting module for attaching to a curved object includes a flexible upper substrate and a plurality of supporting elements. Each supporting element comprises at least one foot and one leg connecting the foot with the flexible upper substrate. The mounting module is adaptable to the curvature of the curved object while maintaining the dimensions of the flexible upper substrate consistent across its surface. The supporting elements adjust their alignment during adaptation of the mounting module to the curvature of the curved object.