Electromagnetic Counterweight Structure for Robot Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spherical robots equipped with fixed counterweight blocks experience reduced operational smoothness and fluidity during acceleration and deceleration due to the inability to adjust the position of the counterweight block.

Innovation Solution

A counterweight structure incorporating an electromagnetic device and a reset piece, where the electromagnetic device attracts the counterweight block to adjust its position in response to the robot's acceleration, allowing for dynamic adjustment of the center of gravity to enhance operational smoothness and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the counterweight block position is fixed, then the structure is simple and stable, but the operational smoothness and fluidity during acceleration and deceleration deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational smoothnessVSAvoidcounterweight structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight block is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one through the introduction of a sliding rod that can move along a guiding groove. This dynamic structure allows the counterweight block to automatically adjust its position during acceleration and deceleration, improving operational smoothness while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of basic mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex active control mechanisms with a passive mechanical system consisting of a sliding rod, guiding groove, and restoring spring. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for motors or actuators to move the counterweight block, achieving automatic position adjustment through the robot's own motion and gravitational force, thus improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the counterweight block position is adjusted during acceleration and deceleration, then the operational fluidity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational fluidityVSAvoidcounterweight adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight adjustment mechanism operates autonomously without external control. The sliding rod automatically moves with the robot's acceleration and deceleration, and the restoring spring automatically returns it to the initial position. This self-service mechanism improves operational fluidity while avoiding the complexity of controlled adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The restoring spring acts as a counterbalancing element that automatically returns the sliding rod to its initial position after acceleration or deceleration. This passive counterweight mechanism achieves the necessary position adjustment without requiring active control systems, thereby improving operational fluidity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the counterweight block is movable along the guiding groove, then the center of gravity adjustment capability improves, but the structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecenter of gravity adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight adjustment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the sliding rod for position adjustment, the guiding groove for constrained movement, and the restoring spring for return motion. This segmentation allows the system to achieve center of gravity adjustment capability while maintaining structural stability through the coordinated function of simple, well-defined parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding groove provides localized constraint only where needed - along the acceleration/deceleration direction - while allowing freedom of movement in other directions. This local quality approach enables center of gravity adjustment capability exactly where required without compromising overall structural stability, as the constraint is applied selectively rather than globally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 counterweight structure enables the robot to operate more freely and smoothly by adjusting the position of the counterweight block in real-time with the robot's acceleration, reducing the time required for acceleration and deceleration processes and maintaining stability during constant speed operations.

Implementation Method 1

the electromagnetic device is magnetic after being powered on, to attract the counterweight block to move towards the electromagnetic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the reset piece is clamped between the electromagnetic device and the counterweight block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240158028A1Counterweight structure, robot and method for controlling robot
Publication Date: 2024.05.16 GOERTEK INC
  • US20240158028A1 patent drawing
  • US20240158028A1 patent drawing
  • US20240158028A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a counterweight structure, a robot and a method for controlling the robot. The counterweight structure includes an electromagnetic device, a counterweight block and a reset piece. The reset piece is clamped between the electromagnetic device and the counterweight block. The electromagnetic device is magnetic after being powered on, to attract the counterweight block to move towards the electromagnetic device and compress the reset piece.