Household robot and household robot system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular household robot systems are complex, expensive, and prone to functional module change failures, limiting their versatility and user flexibility in adapting to different tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular household robot design featuring a secure mechanical interface with a release device for easy attachment and detachment of functional modules, allowing for various tasks such as vacuuming and wet cleaning, with interfaces for energy, data, and material exchange, enabling cost-effective expansion of functionalities without replacing the robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular system with automated function module change is implemented, then the household robot can perform different tasks, but the system becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The household robot is divided into a base unit and separate functional modules. Each functional module can be independently attached or detached to perform specific tasks. This segmentation allows the robot to adapt to different tasks without requiring a complete modular system with automated changes, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit of the household robot is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple different functional modules. This allows a single base unit to perform multiple tasks by simply changing the attached functional module, achieving versatility without requiring multiple complete robot systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated function module change is implemented, then the household robot can switch between tasks, but the module change becomes prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The functional modules are designed with self-aligning features and automatic connection mechanisms that ensure reliable attachment to the base unit. The modules themselves contain the necessary alignment and connection elements, eliminating the need for complex automated change systems while maintaining high reliability in module attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional modules are provided for different tasks, then the user can equip the robot for specific uses, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the robot into a shared base unit and separate functional modules, the expensive components (motors, sensors, control systems) are consolidated in the base unit that is purchased once. The functional modules are simpler and less expensive, allowing users to buy only the modules they need for specific tasks, thereby improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining functional customization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a household robot comprising a drive device, an energy store, a sensor for scanning an environment of the household robot, a control device that is configured to control the drive device with energy from the energy store, based on a signal of the sensor, in order to bring about a predetermined travel movement of the household robot, and a mechanical interface that is configured to couple the functional module to the household robot by means of a form closure, such that it is secured against relative movement. In addition, the mechanical interface comprises a release device that is configured to release the form closure in relation to a spatial direction.