Modular Robot Connectors for Self-Reconfiguration and Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular devices face challenges in efficiently constructing and reconfiguring themselves to adapt to different environments and functionalities, which hinders their ability to optimize construction efficiency and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular device comprising a main control module and building elements with specific connectors and communication protocols, allowing for the connection and reconfiguration of various modules such as servos, sensors, and voice input systems through a standardized connector system, enabling efficient data communication and self-reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modular devices use uniform docking interfaces for connection, then ease of assembly and reconfiguration is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for standardized connectors that handle multiple functions (mechanical, electrical, communication)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical connection, electrical power transmission, and data communication functions into a single integrated docking interface. The connector simultaneously establishes mechanical bonding between modules while transmitting electrical power and enabling bidirectional communication, thereby simplifying the assembly process despite the increased functional integration required in the connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface is designed as a universal connector that can perform multiple functions: mechanical attachment, electrical power delivery, and bidirectional data communication. This multi-functional design allows the same interface to be used across different module types and configurations, improving ease of assembly and reconfiguration while requiring the connector to handle diverse operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular devices are designed with reconfigurable components, then adaptability to different environments and functions is improved, but construction efficiency deteriorates due to the time required for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the connection state between modules before full operation begins. The control module identifies which modules are connected and their orientations in advance, pre-configuring the system state so that adaptability can be achieved without manual reconfiguration time, thereby maintaining construction efficiency while enabling versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface includes bidirectional communication capability that provides real-time feedback about connection status, module orientation, and system configuration. This feedback mechanism allows the control module to automatically adjust and optimize the device configuration based on actual assembly state, reducing the time required for reconfiguration while maintaining high adaptability to different operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of modules are integrated into the modular device, then functionality is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring connection states increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal docking interface is implemented that standardizes the connection mechanism across all module types. This interface simultaneously handles mechanical attachment, electrical power transmission, and data communication for diverse modules including servos, sensors, and voice input systems. The standardized protocol simplifies the detection of connection states regardless of the specific module types involved, reducing the complexity of monitoring heterogeneous components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs bidirectional communication through the docking interface to continuously monitor and report connection states, module orientations, and operational status. This feedback mechanism enables the control module to automatically track and manage the configuration of multiple diverse modules, making connection state detection straightforward despite the variety of integrated components.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular device includes a polyhedral building element having a first type connector and a number of second type connectors; and a main control module comprising a plurality of second type connectors. The first type connector and the second type connectors are disposed on side surfaces of the building element. One of the second type connectors of the main control module is used to magnetically connect with the first type connector of the building element so as to detachably connect the building element to the main control module. The first type connector includes a first detection circuit, and each second type connector includes a second detection circuit.