Delivery robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivery robots face challenges in safely transporting items over uneven terrain and navigating obstacles while maintaining the security of stored items, especially when the items are diverse and require efficient use of internal space.
Innovation Solution
A delivery robot equipped with a body housing, a middle shelf that partitions the storage into upper and lower sections, and a door system that operates based on elastic sensors to manage the storage sections, ensuring safe transportation and efficient use of space by selectively opening and closing doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a delivery robot uses a fixed shelf structure for transporting items, then the robot has a simple and stable structure, but the robot cannot adapt to diverse delivery items and has poor space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is divided into multiple detachable partitions that can be independently adjusted and reconfigured. These partitions can be separated and repositioned to create different storage configurations based on the size and type of items being transported, enabling the robot to adapt to diverse delivery requirements without requiring a completely different shelf structure for each item type.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf structure incorporates movable and adjustable partitions that can be dynamically repositioned during operation or between deliveries. This dynamic configuration allows the robot to optimize its storage space for different delivery scenarios, transforming from a static fixed structure to an adaptable system that responds to varying delivery needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a delivery robot uses a single large storage space, then the robot has simple door control, but the robot cannot securely protect different types of items and has poor delivery flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is divided into multiple independent compartments by detachable partitions, and corresponding doors are segmented to control access to each compartment. This allows different types of items to be stored separately with appropriate security and access control for each section, enabling flexible delivery configurations where only relevant compartments need to be accessed during each delivery task.
Solution Approach 2:
The door control system is designed to universally manage multiple compartments through a centralized control mechanism that can selectively activate individual doors or groups of doors based on delivery requirements. This multi-functional door system provides both the security of separate compartments and the flexibility of selective access, reducing the need for completely separate control systems for each compartment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a delivery robot uses detachable shelves to optimize space utilization, then the robot can adapt to diverse items, but the robot risks item falling during movement and has safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of shelf attachment status before initiating movement or door operations. Sensors detect whether partitions and shelves are properly secured, and the control system prevents operation until proper attachment is confirmed. This preliminary safety check ensures that items are securely positioned before transport begins, preventing falling or displacement during movement while maintaining the benefits of detachable, configurable shelves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the attachment status of detachable shelves and partitions during operation. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information to the control system about the security of item storage, allowing the robot to adjust its movement patterns or alert operators if improper attachment is detected, thereby maintaining item security while using flexible detachable shelving.
4Productivity
If a delivery robot operates doors continuously to access items, then the robot has fast access to items, but the robot increases energy consumption and reduces battery life
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous door operation, the system uses periodic door access controlled by detection mechanisms. Sensors detect when items need to be accessed and trigger door opening only at those specific moments. The doors remain closed during non-access periods, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining fast access capability when needed. This periodic operation pattern balances productivity with energy efficiency in the door control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The door control system operates autonomously based on sensor detection of delivery requirements, eliminating the need for continuous manual or mechanical door operation. The system self-regulates door opening and closing based on actual access needs, opening doors only when items require retrieval or placement, and keeping them closed otherwise. This self-service approach optimizes the balance between quick item access and energy conservation.
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 ensures safe delivery of items by preventing doors from opening unintentionally, optimizing space utilization, and reducing the risk of item damage or electronic component failure, while allowing for easy maintenance and detection of attached or detached shelves and partitions.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic sensor that is formed in the shelf support and detects mounting of the middle shelf by being retracted when the middle shelf is mounted
Data Source
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AI summary
A delivery robot includes a body housing including a storage defined therein and a body opening defined in a front surface thereof, a door that operates in a closed state or an open state, a controller that operates the door in response to a control command, a middle shelf detachable from the body housing and partitioning the storage into an upper storage section and a lower storage section, shelf supports protruding from a left side surface and a right side surface of the storage, respectively, shelf rails respectively formed at a left side and a right side of the middle shelf, each shelf support being inserted into a corresponding shelf rail, and a first elastic sensor in one of the shelf supports to detect mounting of the middle shelf by being retracted when the middle shelf is mounted.