Omni-Directional Mast Breakage Joint for Impact-Resistant Robot Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivery robot masts, designed for increased visibility, are prone to breaking due to their tall stature and resulting moment arm, which can lead to structural damage and costly replacements.
Innovation Solution
An omni-directional breakage joint using multiple ball and socket joints at the mast's base, allowing for impact absorption without causing damage and enabling tool-less reinstallation, providing additional structural support and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the mast is made taller to increase visibility, then visibility is improved, but the risk of breakage increases due to larger moment arm
Solution Approach 1:
The mast connector is divided into separate components: a mast assembly with ball joints and a base assembly with sockets. This segmentation allows the mast to be detached and reattached, transforming a permanent rigid structure into a modular system that can survive impact events without permanent damage to the entire mast.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball and socket joint mechanism is designed to allow the mast to detach beforehand when impact forces exceed a threshold, preventing the transmission of destructive forces to either the mast or base. The joint acts as a pre-designed failure point that protects the overall system.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting mechanisms are used, then installation is simple, but structural damage occurs during breakage events
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is segmented into ball joints on the mast and corresponding sockets on the base, allowing independent replacement of damaged components without replacing the entire mast assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball and socket joint system is designed so that if breakage occurs, only the connector components need replacement rather than the entire mast. The joints act as sacrificial elements that protect the more expensive mast structure.
3Length of stationary object
If the mast is made taller to increase visibility, then visibility is improved, but the moment arm increases making the mast more likely to break
Solution Approach 1:
The ball and socket joint mechanism is designed to allow the mast to detach beforehand when impact forces exceed a threshold, preventing the transmission of destructive forces to either the mast or base. The joint acts as a pre-designed failure point that protects the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast connector is divided into separate components: a mast assembly with ball joints and a base assembly with sockets. This segmentation allows the mast to be detached and reattached, transforming a permanent rigid structure into a modular system that can survive impact events without permanent damage to the entire mast.
4Strength
If rigid mounting is used to prevent breakage, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility and reinstallation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic ball and socket joint that allows controlled movement and detachment. The joints provide structural integrity during normal operation but allow detachment when needed or when impact forces exceed design thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast connector is divided into separate components: a mast assembly with ball joints and a base assembly with sockets. This segmentation allows the mast to be detached and reattached, transforming a permanent rigid structure into a modular system that can survive impact events without permanent damage to the entire mast.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot (for example, a robot used for package deliveries, among other purposes) may include a mast with a visual indicator for providing visibility to drivers and pedestrians in the environment proximate to the mobile robot. The mast may produce a large moment arm, which may result in the mast being more likely to break off from the robot. To mitigate or prevent damage to any components of the mast and/or the mobile robot when such a breakage occurs, described herein is an omni directional breakage joint that is used to connect the mast to the mobile robot. The omni directional breakage joint comprises multiple ball and socket joints that provide structural support between the mast and the mobile robot, while simultaneously allowing for a certain movement freedom of the mast and allowing for the mast to easily be engaged and disengaged from the mobile robot without causing damage to any components.