Humanoid Robot Head Shock Absorber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Humanoid robots are susceptible to damage from falls due to their high center of gravity, with existing solutions either limiting movement or triggering protection mechanisms prematurely.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing device comprising a rigid structure, a deformable outer shell, and a flexible cellular shock-absorber that absorbs and dissipates energy, integrated with features like absorbent fixings and heat dissipation systems to protect sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the center of gravity is lowered to improve fall resistance, then the robot's reliability against shocks improves, but the movement and functionalities of the upper part (arms and head) are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into functional segments with the shock-absorbing device located in the head assembly, separating the protection function from the movement function. This allows the upper body to maintain full mobility while the head assembly has dedicated shock absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock-absorbing device with cellular structure is pre-installed in the head assembly to provide cushioning before falls occur. The cellular structure is designed to deform and absorb impact energy, protecting electronic components without requiring changes to the robot's center of gravity.
2Reliability
If protection mechanisms are added to withstand falls, then the robot's reliability improves, but the mechanisms may trigger prematurely during normal movements
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing device provides continuous passive protection through its cellular structure that automatically deforms under impact. This eliminates the need for active sensors or triggers that could mistakenly activate during normal movements, as the cushioning is always present and responds only to sufficient impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular structure of the shock-absorber is designed to be a simple, passive mechanical element that absorbs energy through deformation. This straightforward mechanical approach avoids complex electronic protection systems that require sensors, processors, and actuators, reducing the risk of premature or erroneous triggering.
3Reliability
If a rigid protective structure is used to protect electronics, then the protection effectiveness improves, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shock-absorbing device uses a flexible cellular structure that deforms to absorb impact energy, replacing rigid protective housings. This flexible approach provides effective protection while maintaining structural simplicity and reducing weight compared to traditional rigid protective enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular structure of the shock-absorber utilizes a porous or honeycomb-like geometry that provides high energy absorption capacity relative to its mass and volume. This porous configuration delivers robust protection without requiring thick solid walls or complex multi-layer structures.
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 shock-absorbing device effectively reduces deceleration forces on fragile components during falls, allowing humanoid robots to withstand repeated shocks without compromising movement or functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a shock-absorber consisting of a flexible cellular structure comprising a set of cells emerging in a main direction
Implementation Method 2
a flexible cellular structure comprising a set of cells emerging in a main direction, and being secured to the rigid structure at a first end in the main direction, and linked to the deformable outer shell at a second end opposite the first in the main direction
Implementation Method 3
the outer shell is also linked directly to the rigid structure by means of at least one absorbent fixing of silent block type
Data Source
AI summary
A shock-absorbing device for a humanoid robot, comprises a rigid structure linked to the humanoid robot, a deformable outer shell, and a shock-absorber; the shock-absorber consisting of a flexible cellular structure comprising a set of cells emerging in a main direction, and being secured to the rigid structure at a first end in the main direction, and linked to the deformable outer shell at a second end opposite the first in the main direction. Advantageously, the outer shell is also linked directly to the rigid structure by means of at least one absorbent fixing of silent block type. The invention relates also to a humanoid robot, and in particular the head of a humanoid robot, comprising such a shock-absorbing device.