Hybrid Robot Transitioning Between Horizontal and Vertical Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic drones face limitations in range and deployment time due to the need for onboard power sources, which restricts the weight and power draw of sensor arrays and requires continuous power consumption for movement.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system capable of transitioning between horizontal and vertical movement modes, using an external skeleton with propulsion units and displaceable masses to optimize energy consumption, allowing for efficient traversal of rough terrain and extending operational range by minimizing energy-intensive vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robotic drone carries an onboard power source, then it can operate independently, but the weight and power draw of the sensor array are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the robotic drone itself and places it on the ground as a separate external component. The drone becomes a lightweight platform that draws power wirelessly or via connection from the ground-based power source, eliminating the weight constraint of onboard batteries while maintaining independent operation capability.
2Speed
If the robotic drone uses continuous power draw for movement, then it can traverse the area, but the operational range and deployment time are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the robotic system into a lightweight mobile drone component and a stationary ground-based power source component. This allows the drone to be optimized for maneuverability with minimal weight, while the power source handles the energy requirements, enabling extended operational duration without compromising movement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic system uses vertical movement to traverse terrain, then it can overcome obstacles, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of the robotic system's center of gravity using displaceable masses that can be positioned along orthogonal axes. By dynamically adjusting mass distribution, the system can transition between horizontal and vertical movement modes, using horizontal movement for energy-efficient traversal and vertical movement only when necessary to overcome obstacles.
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 system enhances the operational window and range of robotic operations by conserving energy through selective use of horizontal and vertical movement, reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
A robotic system capable of transitioning between horizontal and vertical movement modes, using an external skeleton with propulsion units and displaceable masses to optimize energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods too of implementing a hybrid robotic system capable of reversibly transitioning producing propulsion units may be coupled to the payload platform. In a first position, the payload platform may be positioned such that the thrust-producing propulsion units generate a substantially horizontal thrust to provide horizontal movement of the robotic system. In a second position, the payload platform may be positioned such that the thrust-producing propulsion units generate a substantially vertical thrust to provide vertical movement of the robotic system.