Method and device for exchange of functional modules of a domestic robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular household robots require significant space and manual effort for exchanging functional modules, limiting their efficiency and versatility in performing different tasks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that enables automatic exchange of functional modules using a high-bay warehouse system, where modules are stored vertically and retrieved orthogonally, allowing for efficient storage and quick swapping without moving the base module, reducing space and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If functional modules are stored horizontally in a single working plane, then module exchange is simple, but significant space is required for storage and exchange operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal storage in a single working plane to vertical storage using a high-bay warehouse structure with multiple levels in the z-direction. This dimensional change allows modules to be stacked vertically, dramatically reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining organized storage and automated retrieval capabilities through vertical transport units.
2Productivity
If manual module exchange is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated module exchange where the robot autonomously navigates to the base station, the vertical transport unit automatically retrieves and positions modules, and the base module autonomously connects and secures modules. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention, significantly improving productivity while the automation is managed through integrated control systems.
3Ease of operation
If base module is relocated during module exchange, then module access is improved, but space consumption and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station with a vertical transport unit as an intermediary system between the robot and the module storage. The base module remains stationary while the intermediary handles module retrieval and delivery, improving module access efficiency without requiring energy-consuming relocation of the base module itself.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a device for exchanging functional modules of a modular household robot (1), in which a functional module (3) is secured and connected to a base module (2), which is used for driving and navigating on a predetermined surface of a plane (E0) of a room, and the functional module (3) is released for exchange by unlocking and disconnecting it at a base station (4). To improve a method and a corresponding device for more efficient exchange of functional modules of a modular robot while adapting and reducing the space required for exchange and storage of functional modules, it is proposed that the exchange be carried out automatically after the functional module (3) has been released following the placement of the household robot (1) in the base station (4) and the release of the functional module (3) from the base module (2).by unlocking the functional module (3) and moving it in the z-direction by the modular household robot (1) into a type of high-bay warehouse (5) and temporarily storing it at a specific height in a plane (E1, E2, E3), by moving the functional module (3) in another spatial direction, which is essentially orthogonal to the z-direction, to a predetermined location on one of the planes (E1, E2, E3), and, upon request, by inserting, securing, and connecting a specific functional module to the base module (2) by moving it from a predetermined location and removing it in the z-direction from the high-bay warehouse (5).