Elastic Outer Cover for Robot Device Stability and Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robot devices with rigid exteriors face challenges in achieving mechanical stability while concealing joint structures, which affects their appearance and ability to provide a tactile sensation similar to companion animals, limiting user sensibility and emotional satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A robot device design featuring an elastic outer cover made of materials like silicone, incorporating a pivoting structure and casing that linearly reciprocates with respect to the mast, alleviating load and repulsive forces through deformation, and providing a visually and tactilely softer texture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid material case is used for the exterior of a mobile robot, then mechanical stability is secured, but the joint structure cannot be concealed and appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible outer cover made of elastic material that can deform to conceal the joint structure during robot movement. This flexible shell covers the rigid internal components while maintaining mechanical stability, resolving the contradiction between structural rigidity and aesthetic appearance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid material exterior is used, then mechanical stability is achieved, but tactile sensation similar to companion animals cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible outer cover provides a soft tactile surface that resembles companion animals, while the rigid internal structure maintains mechanical stability. This layered approach allows the robot to have both structural integrity and pleasant tactile properties for user interaction.
3Shape
If an elastic outer cover is used, then user sensibility and appearance are improved, but load and repulsive forces are generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the outer cover from rigid to elastic, which improves appearance and tactile sensation. The elastic material naturally absorbs and dissipates repulsive forces through deformation, converting harmful forces into elastic potential energy that can be recovered or dissipated safely.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the casing is fixed to the mast, then structural stability is maintained, but load from elastic deformation cannot be alleviated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed casing to a dynamic casing that can pivot relative to the mast. This pivoting mechanism allows the casing to move independently, absorbing elastic deformation forces and reducing the load transmitted to the mast and internal components while maintaining structural stability.
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 elastic outer cover enhances user interaction and emotional stimulation by offering a softer texture and concealing mechanical structures, improving the robot's appearance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic outer cover accommodating at least a portion of the mast and including a first portion fixed to the casing
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a robot device comprises: a mast extending in one direction; a pivoting structure including a pivot mounted on one end portion of the mast and configured to pivot with respect to the mast; a casing accommodating at least a portion of the pivoting structure, and configured to linearly reciprocate with respect to the pivoting structure in a direction parallel or oblique to the direction in which the mast extends; and an elastic outer cover accommodating at least a portion of the mast, wherein the elastic outer cover may include a first portion fixed to the casing.