Expression-variable robot flexible eyebrow mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expression-variable robots face challenges in stably displaying various expressions due to complex structures requiring multiple actuators, making it difficult to achieve a simple configuration.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a simulated face with a flexible eyebrow body supported by first and second support parts, allowing the outer end to rotate and the inner end to move upwards and downwards, with a slot and groove system for smooth movement, enabling elastic deformation of the eyebrow body to change its distance from the face surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a soft mask is expanded and contracted to change expressions, then various expressions can be shown, but it becomes difficult to stably show an expression
Solution Approach 1:
The eyebrow body is divided into multiple segments (first eyebrow body part, second eyebrow body part, third eyebrow body part) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each part to be controlled separately for stable positioning while maintaining the ability to form various expression shapes through coordinated movement of the segments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to show various expressions, then expression variety increases, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling different eyebrow body parts through a universal drive shaft mechanism. The drive shaft can rotate to control the first eyebrow body part, and through gear mechanisms, can also control the second and third eyebrow body parts, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each eyebrow segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions for different eyebrow body parts are merged into a single drive unit. The drive unit integrates the rotation control of the drive shaft with the positioning control of multiple eyebrow segments through shared mechanical components, reducing the total number of actuators while maintaining full expression control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the eyebrow body is made flexible to enable movement, then expression variety increases, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the eyebrow body are designed with different properties: the eyebrow body parts are made flexible to enable movement and shape changes, while the support parts are made rigid to provide stable positioning. This local differentiation of material properties allows the flexible eyebrow body to achieve precise positioning when supported by rigid structures at critical points.
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
This configuration allows for stable and varied expression display with a simple structure, enabling high reproduction quality of human-like expressions while reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the eyebrow body having flexibility includes: a first support part supporting an outer end of the eyebrow body; a second support part supporting an inner end of the eyebrow body; and a drive part configured to drive at least any one of the first support part or the second support part to rotate at least any one of the outer end or the inner end
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an expression-variable robot capable of stably showing a variety of expressions by a simple configuration. An expression-variable robot includes a simulated face and an eyebrow body that is disposed on the surface of the simulated face, the eyebrow body having flexibility. The expression-variable robot further includes a first support part that supports an outer end of the eyebrow body, a second support part that supports an inner end of the eyebrow body, and drive parts that rotate the outer end.