Folding Household Robot for Versatile Tasks and Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household robots are limited in functionality, versatility, maneuverability, and size, and lack the ability to learn from experience and interact with humans or networks, making them unsuitable for diverse household tasks.
Innovation Solution
A robot with multiple states and modes defined by folding configurations, equipped with sensors, arms, and wheels, capable of learning from experience and interacting with humans and networks, and configured to perform various household tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing robots are designed for dedicated functionality (vacuuming, mopping, lawn mowing, security monitoring), then they can perform their specific tasks effectively, but they lack versatility to perform multiple different household tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed with multiple functional components including arms with grippers, legs with drive wheels, a riser member for height adjustment, and sensors that enable it to perform various household tasks such as cleaning, object manipulation, navigation, and monitoring, making it a universal robot capable of multiple functions rather than a single-purpose device
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's body is divided into segmented components including the head, neck member, torso, riser member, arms with multiple segments (first arm member, second arm member, wrist member, fingers), and legs with drive wheels, allowing each segment to be independently controlled and positioned to perform different tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot is designed with fixed size and orientation, then its structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different task requirements and environments
Solution Approach 1:
The robot incorporates dynamic folding mechanisms that allow it to change its configuration between extended and folded states. The riser member can rotate relative to the torso, the arms can be positioned at various angles, and the legs can be folded, enabling the robot to adapt its size and shape based on task requirements and storage needs
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's components are designed to nest within each other when folded, with the arms folding into the torso, the legs folding beneath the body, and the riser member rotating to align with the torso, creating a compact configuration that minimizes storage space while maintaining full functionality when extended
3Ease of operation
If the robot operates in extended configuration for task performance, then it has full functionality and reach, but it occupies significant storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The robot transitions dynamically between extended operational configuration and folded storage configuration. During task performance, the riser member is extended, arms are positioned for manipulation, and legs are deployed for mobility. When stored, all these components fold into a compact form, reducing storage space requirements while maintaining full task performance capability when needed
Data Source
AI summary
A folding robot for assisting with and performing household chores includes a head having a screen and a sensor, an elongate neck member, a torso, one or more arms connected to the torso, a riser member connected and rotatable with respect to the torso, one or more legs connected to the riser member by a hip joint, and a controller configured to send and receive data associated with the robot for completion of household tasks. Each arm includes a first arm member, a second arm member, a wrist member, and at least two fingers. Each leg includes a leg member, a first drive wheel disposed at a first end of the leg member coaxial with the hip joint, and a second drive wheel disposed at a second end of the leg member. The first drive wheel and second drive wheel are independently controllable for travel of the robot.