Modular Robot Drive Platform With Interchangeable Crossmembers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural robots lack flexibility and ease of adaptation to various agricultural tasks due to complex mechanical and electromechanical designs, and require expert knowledge for assembly and maintenance, leading to high costs and potential assembly errors.
Innovation Solution
A modular robot design featuring interchangeable drive and crossmember modules with mechanical and electrical connecting means, a self-configuring control unit, and integrated sensors, allowing for flexible adaptation to different agricultural tasks without complex mechanical adjustments and enabling easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional complex mechanical and electromechanical designs are used in agricultural robots, then structural strength and stability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into modular components (drive modules, application modules, sensor modules) that can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled. Each module maintains structural integrity while allowing flexible reconfiguration for different agricultural tasks, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized mechanical and electrical connecting means are designed to be universally compatible across different module types. The connecting devices feature standardized interfaces that can accommodate various module configurations, enabling a single set of connection mechanisms to serve multiple assembly scenarios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional complex mechanical and electromechanical designs are used in agricultural robots, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is segmented into discrete, pre-fabricated modules with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation allows modules to be assembled like building blocks, maintaining structural stability through standardized joints while dramatically simplifying assembly procedures for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically configures itself when modules are connected through the electrical connecting means. This self-configuration capability eliminates the need for manual programming or complex setup procedures, allowing operators to simply connect modules and the system automatically adapts its control parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional complex mechanical and electromechanical designs are used in agricultural robots, then functional capability is improved, but adaptability to various tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is segmented into interchangeable application modules (planting, harvesting, spraying, etc.) that can be attached to a standardized drive platform. This modular segmentation allows rapid task adaptation by simply swapping application modules rather than reconfiguring entire mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Universal mechanical and electrical connecting means are designed to accommodate multiple module types and configurations. The standardized interfaces enable a single drive platform to support various application modules, creating a multi-functional system capable of performing diverse agricultural tasks.
4Manufacturing precision
If expert knowledge is required for assembly and maintenance, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular units with standardized interfaces that maintain manufacturing precision through precision-engineered connection features. These standardized segments can be assembled by operators without expert knowledge, as the modular design with standardized interfaces guides correct assembly while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs automatic self-configuration when modules are connected, eliminating the need for expert programming or calibration. The electrical connecting means automatically establish proper signal connections, and the control system adapts its parameters based on the connected modules, enabling maintenance by non-experts while preserving system precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular robot with a drive platform including: a first lateral drive module having at least two wheels and at least one motor for driving at least one of the wheels, a second lateral drive module having at least one wheel and at least one motor for driving the at least one wheel, a front crossmember module connecting first ends of the first and the second lateral drive module, and a rear crossmember module connecting first ends of the first and the second lateral drive module. One of the two lateral drive modules has a control unit for controlling the motors of the two lateral drive modules. The two drive modules have first connecting devices at their respective ends and the two crossmember modules have second connecting devices in the region of their respective ends. The first and the second connecting devices have mechanical connections. At least one of the two drive modules has at least one docking device for docking an application unit on the drive platform and the at least one docking device has mechanical and/or electrical connections.