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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Ease of operation
If the counterweight block position is adjusted during acceleration and deceleration, then the operational fluidity improves, but the device complexity increases
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Implementation Method 2
the reset piece is clamped between the electromagnetic device and the counterweight block
Data Source
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.


