robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional home robots, particularly two-wheeled robots, face limitations in functionality, stability, and space utilization due to fixed module placement, which affects their ability to perform multiple tasks and navigate obstacles effectively.

Innovation Solution

A robot design featuring a detachable lower functional module that can be coupled between the wheels, allowing for various functions like cleaning and transportation, while maintaining stability and minimizing space usage through a four-bar linkage structure that supports the robot body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are coupled to the upper portion of the robot, then various functions can be performed, but the center of gravity becomes higher resulting in unstable traveling

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtraveling stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from coupling functional modules only on the upper portion to coupling them on the lower portion between the wheels. This spatial repositioning in the vertical dimension lowers the center of gravity while still enabling functional versatility through detachable modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot system is divided into a main body and detachable functional modules. This segmentation allows modules to be coupled at different locations - specifically on the lower portion between wheels - enabling flexibility in both functionality and stability optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are coupled to the left, right, front, or rear portion of the robot, then various functions can be performed, but the entire area of the robot assembly increases resulting in inability to travel in narrow places

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidrobot assembly area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The functional modules are designed to be nested within the space between the wheels of the robot body. This nesting approach allows modules to be accommodated within the existing footprint of the robot rather than extending the overall area, enabling navigation in narrow spaces while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a four-bar linkage structure is used to support the robot body, then impact absorption is improved, but the height at which the deck may move up is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoiddeck movement height

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is segmented into the four-bar linkage structure for impact absorption and the leg units with wheel units for height adjustment. This segmentation allows the linkage to handle vertical impacts while the leg units independently control the deck height, resolving the limitation on movement height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If the wheel is exposed upward from the deck in a one-wheeled suspension device, then impact can be absorbed, but all areas of the deck cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoiddeck usable area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension function is segmented from the wheel and assigned to a dedicated four-bar linkage structure positioned between the wheels. This allows the wheel to be recessed into the deck, freeing up the entire deck surface for functional module coupling while the linkage structure independently handles impact absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design enables the robot to perform multiple functions efficiently by minimizing space usage and maintaining balance, even when obstacles are encountered, ensuring stable movement and reduced center of gravity.

Implementation Method 1

absorbs an impact by arranging a damper on an end portion of the four-bar linkage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the deck is moved up by driving the damper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a wheel unit rotatably coupled to the leg unit to roll along a ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling motion: Wheel

Implementation Method 4

a robot body fastening unit disposed at one side of the lower functional module body to fix the lower functional module body to the robot body when coupled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20250205873A1robot

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A robot capable of performing operations in various modes by selectively coupling various types of lower functional modules to a robot body. The lower functional module is detachably coupled to the robot body and includes a lower functional module body forming an exterior and having a space therein. A robot body fastening unit is disposed at one side of the lower functional module body to fix the lower functional module body to the robot body when coupled.