Cylindrical Self-Propelled Device Center of Mass Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled devices lack efficient propulsion and control mechanisms, particularly in cylindrical designs, which hinder their ability to move and change direction effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical self-propelled device equipped with a controllable drive system featuring a pair of motors, each coupled with a wheel, and a processor that interprets control inputs from an external computing device to independently operate the motors and displace the center of mass, allowing for linear movement and directional changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical design is used for the self-propelled device, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the ability to move and change direction effectively is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical body is segmented into multiple functional sections: a drive system section containing motors and wheels, a center of mass section, and a control system section. This segmentation allows the cylindrical structure to maintain manufacturing simplicity while enabling complex movement functions through coordinated operation of discrete components positioned at specific locations within the cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces directional control in multiple dimensions by positioning wheels at different locations on the cylindrical body and enabling independent rotation of these wheels. This allows the device to achieve linear motion, rotational motion, and directional changes by coordinating wheel operations across different spatial dimensions, overcoming the limitation of simple cylindrical geometry.
2Device complexity
If traditional propulsion mechanisms are used in self-propelled devices, then the device structure is simpler, but propulsion efficiency and control precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical propulsion systems with an electric drive system consisting of motors coupled to wheels. This substitution provides superior propulsion efficiency through electric motor torque characteristics and enables precise control through electronic control systems, while the overall device structure remains relatively simple through direct-drive wheel configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including motor speed, wheel rotation rates, and center of mass position to optimize propulsion efficiency for different movement conditions. This parameter control enables the device to achieve high propulsion efficiency across varying operational requirements while maintaining a simple underlying mechanical structure.
3Ease of operation
If independent motor operation is implemented for each wheel, then control precision and mobility are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The independently operated motors serve multiple functions: they provide propulsion force, enable directional control, facilitate speed variation, and contribute to center of mass adjustment. This multi-functionality allows the control system to achieve precise control across all movement parameters using a unified control architecture, preventing complexity multiplication despite the presence of multiple independent motors.
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
Enables precise control and efficient movement of the self-propelled device, including linear motion and directional changes, through the independent operation of motors and displacement of the center of mass, enhancing its mobility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A cylindrical self-propelled device equipped with a controllable drive system featuring a pair of motors, each coupled with a wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled device is disclosed that includes a center of mass drive system. The self-propelled device includes a substantially cylindrical body and wheels, with each wheel having a diameter substantially equivalent to the body. The self-propelled device may further include an internal drive system with a center of mass below a rotational axis of the wheels. Operation and maneuvering of the self-propelled device may be performed via active displacement of the center of mass.