Modular Motorized Assembly with Radial Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic modular systems face challenges with complex structures, large dimensions, and limited connection possibilities, particularly in achieving static and dynamic links beyond the axes defined by connecting shafts, and lack efficient motorization options.

Innovation Solution

A motorized modular assembly device with plates that offer 360-degree connection possibilities, featuring a central body with a motorized ring and radial projections, allowing axial and tangential fixation, and a connector with transverse motorization that enables rotation and connection along multiple axes while maintaining consistent spacing, thereby simplifying assembly and expanding connection options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If connection plates are arranged coaxially with the axis of the cylindrical body, then the structure is simplified, but connection possibilities are limited to specific axes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidconnection possibilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces radial projections extending perpendicular to the axial direction, adding a radial dimension to the connection interface. This allows connections to be made not only along the axial direction but also in radial directions, effectively transitioning from one-dimensional (axial only) to two-dimensional connection capabilities without complicating the overall cylindrical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If connecting shafts are arranged on three perpendicular axes, then connection versatility is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection versatilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection interface into distinct functional elements: axial connection surfaces for end-to-end connections and radial projections for perpendicular connections. This segmentation allows the cylindrical body to provide multiple connection capabilities through simple geometric features rather than requiring complex three-axis shaft arrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cylindrical body with its axial surfaces and radial projections serves multiple connection functions simultaneously. The same basic cylindrical structure enables both axial connections (through its ends) and perpendicular connections (through radial projections), making it a universal connector that eliminates the need for separate specialized components for different connection orientations

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If spherical modules with connecting shafts on three perpendicular axes are used, then assembly possibilities are increased, but static and dynamic links are limited to predefined axes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly possibilitiesVSAvoidlink positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic positioning of connection elements through the radial projections that can be oriented in different directions. Unlike fixed spherical connectors limited to predefined axes, the radial projections can be configured to provide connections in various orientations, allowing the structure to adapt dynamically to different assembly requirements while maintaining simple spherical module geometry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2373460B1Motorized device of modular assembly
Publication Date: 2012.11.21 NORMAN PHILIP
  • EP2373460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2373460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2373460B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a motorized device of modular assembly, consisting of a plurality of static and/or motorized elements. The invention is characterised in that one of the elements (100, 300) has two connection plates (110 and 120, 310 and 320) which, positioned coaxially opposite one another on either side of a central body (130, 330), are preformed in such a way as to form two annular radial projections from said central body. Moreover, the plates are connected to the body in such a way as to enable the body to rotate relative to the plates about the axis of the plates or to enable the plates to rotate relative the body. The relative rotational movement between the two plates (110 and 120, 310 and 320) and the central body (130, 330) is motorized and controlled by a motor and by a transmission module contained inside a housing. The invention is suitable for use in the field of robotics.