Integrated bumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic devices, such as robotic vacuum devices, often prioritize function over form, resulting in exposed gears and mechanisms that detract from their aesthetic appeal, necessitating a design that unifies the bumper to enhance both appearance and usability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated bumper system featuring a suspension assembly with a suspension plate, springs, and cutouts, along with a bumper that includes spring anchors and tabs to limit movement, allowing the bumper to absorb impacts while maintaining a unified and inconspicuous design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional exposed bumper design is used, then the robotic device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to exposed gears and mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is divided into multiple segments including a front bumper, rear bumper, and side bumpers that can move independently. Each bumper segment is connected to the chassis through individual suspension assemblies, allowing them to respond independently to impacts from different directions while maintaining a unified aesthetic appearance when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper components are nested within the device housing, with the bumpers positioned inside or integrated into the chassis structure. The suspension assemblies are contained within the bumper housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that improves aesthetics while preserving functionality
2Shape
If a unified bumper design is implemented, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the impact absorption capability may deteriorate due to constrained movement
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper transitions from a static unified appearance to a dynamic impact-absorbing structure upon contact. The suspension assemblies include springs that compress and dampers that extend during impact, allowing the bumper to dynamically respond to forces while maintaining its integrated aesthetic form during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper's physical parameters change during impact events. The suspension plate moves relative to the chassis, the springs compress and extend, and the bumper components shift position to absorb impact energy, transforming the system's mechanical state from rest to motion and back
3Reliability
If the bumper is designed to move upon impact, then the impact absorption improves, but the user interface stability may deteriorate due to potential disruption
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the bumper system have different movement characteristics. The front and rear bumpers are designed to move independently from the side bumpers, with each positioned to absorb impacts from specific directions. This localized movement approach allows impact absorption in one area without disrupting the stability of the user interface in another area
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 solution provides a responsive bumper that moves upon impact without disrupting the user interface or bridging element, enhancing the device's aesthetic appeal and usability by incorporating both form and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of springs positioned along at least a portion of a perimeter of the suspension plate and coupled with the suspension plate
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an integrated bumper system including, a suspension assembly including, a suspension plate coupled with a robotic device chassis, a plurality of springs positioned along at least a portion of a perimeter of the suspension plate and coupled with the suspension plate, and a plurality of cutouts positioned along at least a portion of the perimeter of the suspension plate; and a bumper coupled with the suspension assembly including, a plurality of spring anchors coupled with the plurality of springs, and a plurality of tabs aligned with the plurality of cutouts configured to limit movement of the suspension plate; and wherein the bumper is configured to move when impacted.