Integrated Mobile Manipulator With Accessory Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional warehouse robots, whether specialist or generalist, face limitations in efficiency and flexibility due to loose integration of mobile bases and robotic arms, leading to suboptimal operation speeds and safety compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A highly integrated mobile manipulator robot with system-level mechanical design and holistic control strategies, equipped with accessory interfaces for coupling to various accessories, enabling coordinated and efficient performance of multiple tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional warehouse robots use loose integration of mobile bases and robotic arms, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and operation speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mobile base and robotic arm into a highly integrated mobile manipulator system with shared control architecture and coordinated motion planning, enabling synchronized operation that improves productivity while managing complexity through systematic design
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional robots lack accessory interfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal accessory interfaces that can couple with various accessories (carts, pendants, tools) through standardized mechanical and electrical connections, enabling one robot system to perform multiple tasks while maintaining manageable interface complexity through standardization
3Reliability
If coupling sensors are added to detect accessory attachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling detection mechanisms with magnetic sensors (Hall effect sensors or reed switches) that detect accessory attachment through magnetic field changes, improving reliability while reducing mechanical complexity through non-contact sensing
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are coupled to the robot, then task versatility is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where coupling sensors detect accessory attachment and provide signals to the control system, which then adapts operation parameters and safety protocols accordingly, allowing versatile accessory usage while maintaining safety compliance through continuous monitoring and adjustment
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 integrated robot system performs complex and dynamic motions efficiently, enhances task versatility, and ensures safety compliance by adapting operations based on accessory information.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling sensor is a magnetic sensor
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic sensor is a hall effect sensor
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic sensor is a reed switch
Data Source
AI summary
A robot comprises a mobile base, a robotic arm operatively coupled to the mobile base, and at least one interface configured to enable selective coupling to at least one accessory. The at least one interface comprises an electrical interface configured to transmit power and/or data between the robot and the at least one accessory, and a mechanical interface configured to enable physical coupling between the robot and the at least one accessory.