Ground-based robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ground-based robots face challenges in efficiently navigating obstacles due to the space constraints imposed by traditional drive systems, which limit the installation space for processing devices like suction, sweeping, or wiping mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a drive system with a combination of a pushed rocker arm and a pulled rocker arm, allowing for asymmetrical traction force distribution to overcome obstacles without prior detection, and optimizing the layout to accommodate processing devices by utilizing the freed-up space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a towed rocker arm is used to ensure good power transmission and overcome obstacles, then the traction force is improved, but the space occupied in front of the drive unit increases, reducing space for the processing device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction forceVSAvoidspace for processing device
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by using different rocker arm configurations on the left and right sides of the robot. The pushed rocker arm on one side frees up space for the processing device, while the pulled rocker arm on the other side provides superior obstacle-overcoming capability. This asymmetric arrangement allows the robot to benefit from both space efficiency and traction performance without requiring symmetric designs on both sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Area of stationary object

If a pushed rocker arm is used to free up space for the processing device, then the space availability is improved, but the traction force when overcoming obstacles is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for processing deviceVSAvoidtraction force
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the advantages of both pushed and pulled rocker arm configurations by combining them on opposite sides of the robot. This combination allows the system to achieve both space efficiency (from the pushed rocker arm side) and superior obstacle negotiation capability (from the pulled rocker arm side), creating a synergistic effect that neither configuration could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the processing device is positioned in front of the drive mechanism to optimize floor processing, then the processing efficiency is improved, but the space constraints require a compact drive system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor processing efficiencyVSAvoiddrive system space
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric rocker arm configuration enables the processing device to be positioned optimally in front of the drive mechanism by freeing up space on one side through the pushed rocker arm design. This asymmetric arrangement allows the processing device to cover the floor area more efficiently while the drive system maintains a compact footprint through the space-saving pushed rocker arm configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4159099B1Ground-based robot
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4159099B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4159099B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4159099B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A ground-based robot comprising: a chassis; a first drive unit attached to the chassis by means of a first rocker arm; and a second drive unit attached to the chassis by means of a second rocker arm. The drive units are located on opposite sides with respect to a direction of movement, and the first rocker arm is a pushed rocker arm and the second rocker arm is a pulled rocker arm.