Integrated Rolling Arrangement for Autonomous Device Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for moving devices like furnishings and wall elements are not efficient for autonomous rearrangement and require external robots or manual guidance, making them unsuitable for easy and simultaneous repositioning in a room.

Innovation Solution

A rolling arrangement integrated into devices, comprising a housing with a wireless receiver, control device, position means, driving means, and power supply, allowing autonomous movement from one position to another via wireless control signals and motor-driven rolling elements, enabling self-driven movement along a surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If external robots are used to move devices, then devices can be moved from one position to another, but the system complexity increases and requires additional space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous movement capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rolling element, actuator, and control system into an integrated rolling arrangement that is directly incorporated into the device to be moved. This merging eliminates the need for separate external robots, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining autonomous movement capability. The control device, rolling element, and housing are unified into a single compact unit that travels with the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the movement function from external robots and relocates it directly into the device being moved through the integrated rolling arrangement. By taking out the actuator and control components from external systems and embedding them within the device itself, the solution simplifies the overall system architecture and eliminates the need for separate moving machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If manual guidance is used to move devices, then devices can be repositioned, but productivity decreases and requires physical effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepositioning efficiencyVSAvoidmanual operation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling arrangement enables devices to move themselves autonomously without requiring manual guidance or physical effort. The integrated actuator and control device allow the rolling element to automatically propel the device from one position to another, significantly improving productivity and eliminating the need for human physical intervention in the moving process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical guidance with an automated control system that uses wireless signals to direct movement. The control device receives wireless control signals and automatically translates them into rolling element actuation, substituting manual operation with an automated electromechanical system that improves both productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If devices are moved simultaneously in a room, then reconfiguration is achieved, but coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling arrangement is designed as a universal platform that can be integrated into multiple different devices (furniture, equipment, etc.) with identical control and actuation mechanisms. This universality allows multiple devices to be reconfigured simultaneously using the same control protocols and wireless communication standards, reducing coordination complexity while enhancing adaptability and versatility in room reconfiguration scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and autonomous repositioning of multiple devices without the need for external robots or manual guidance, allowing for various scenarios and configurations, such as cleaning or conference setups, both indoors and outdoors.

Implementation Method 1

a rolling element (20) that is arranged at a first end portion of the housing and arranged to be in contact with the surface when the device is to be moved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling motion: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3574381B1A rolling arrangement and method for autonomously repositioning devices with integrated rolling arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 WHEEL ME AS
  • EP3574381B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A rolling arrangement (10) and method enabling autonomously moving of a device from a first position to a second position along a surface. This is made possible by integrating the rolling arrangement (10) in the device to be moved, and arranging the following devices in the rolling arrangement (10): a wireless receiver, a control device, position acquiring means, driving means for driving a rolling element (20), and power supply providing power to the electronic devices.