Modular robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coverage robots require extensive disassembly and costly repairs when components fail, leading to high maintenance costs and potential discarding of the entire robot, as users often need to send the robot to service or purchase a new one due to the lack of modular design.
Innovation Solution
A modular coverage robot design allows for the removal and replacement of discrete components such as the cleaning head, wheel modules, vacuum bin, and battery without affecting the robot's functionality, enabling tool-less electrical connections and easy access for maintenance, along with a segmented maintenance display for user guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the robot uses a non-modular integrated design, then the structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity are improved, but the ease of repair and component replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into modular functional units (cleaning head module, drive wheel assembly module, sensor module, battery module, etc.) that can be independently removed and replaced. Each module is designed with standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms, allowing users to service or replace individual components without disassembling the entire robot, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized production of module components.
2Ease of repair
If the robot uses a modular design with separately removable components, then the ease of repair and component replacement are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design employs universal standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms across all module types. The same interface standards are used for electrical connections, mechanical mounting, and data communication, allowing different modules to be interchangeably mounted on the chassis. This universality reduces the overall complexity by providing a consistent framework for module integration, despite the increased number of individual components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the robot requires extensive disassembly for component servicing, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robot modules are pre-assembled with all necessary electrical connections, mechanical fastenings, and alignment features integrated during manufacturing. The modules are designed to be pre-tested as complete functional units before being installed on the chassis. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid module replacement during servicing without requiring time-consuming on-site disassembly and reassembly of complex internal connections, thus reducing service time while maintaining structural integrity through standardized mounting interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.