Integrated bumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic devices, such as robotic vacuum devices, often have exposed mechanisms and lack an aesthetically pleasing bumper design, which compromises their appearance and usability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated bumper apparatus for robotic devices that includes an elastically coupled bumper with a chassis, equipped with sensors to detect object impacts and elastic elements that facilitate movement and return to a neutral position, thereby providing both form and functional enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If an integrated bumper design is implemented to improve aesthetic appeal, then the appearance of the robotic device is enhanced, but the structural complexity increases due to the integration of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper integrates multiple previously separate components into a single unified structure. The cover element combines aesthetic functions, while the suspension assembly merges impact absorption and directional sensing capabilities. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining enhanced appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bumper performs multiple functions within a single design: the cover provides aesthetic coverage and structural protection, the suspension assembly absorbs impacts and enables directional movement, and the sensor detects contact direction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing structural complexity while achieving aesthetic goals.
2Ease of operation
If elastic elements are added to facilitate bumper movement and return to neutral position, then the functionality and usability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element automatically returns the bumper to its neutral position after being displaced by an impact, without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism enhances usability by ensuring consistent bumper behavior while adding minimal complexity compared to active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper transitions from a static structure to a dynamic system that can move and return to its neutral position. The elastic element enables this dynamic behavior, allowing the bumper to adapt to impacts and maintain operational readiness, thereby enhancing usability through improved responsiveness.
3Reliability
If sensors are integrated to detect object impacts and provide directional feedback, then the functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into discrete sensing elements positioned at specific locations on the bumper. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual sensor components and their integration into the overall bumper assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable directional impact detection.
4Reliability
If the bumper is elastically coupled with the chassis to absorb impacts, then the reliability and protection are improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element is pre-installed between the bumper and chassis to provide impact absorption before actual impacts occur. This beforehand cushioning protects the chassis from direct impact forces, improving reliability while using a simple elastic coupling rather than complex active protection systems.
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 integrated bumper design enhances the aesthetic appeal of robotic devices while maintaining functionality by absorbing impacts and providing directional feedback through sensors, thus improving usability and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one elastic element facilitates movement of the bumper relative to the chassis upon impact with an object and disengagement from the object after impact; the at least one elastic element facilitates a return of the bumper to a neutral position upon disengaging from the object after impact
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor configured to sense object impacts with the bumper
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a bumper apparatus of a robot, including: a bumper elastically coupled with a chassis of the robot; at least one sensor configured to sense object impacts with the bumper; and at least one elastic element coupled to or interfacing with the chassis and coupled to or interfacing with the bumper; wherein: the at least one elastic element facilitates movement of the bumper relative to the chassis upon impact with an object and disengagement from the object after impact; the at least one elastic element facilitates a return of the bumper to a neutral position upon disengaging from the object after impact; and the bumper covers at least a front side of the chassis.