Modular Robot Assembly Control Using Interface Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular robots lack flexibility and re-configurability, requiring repetitive assembly verification and limited functional scalability, which hinders their widespread application due to fixed functionality and high development costs.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling modular robots that involves providing module units with rotatable sub-modules, unique docking parts, and face recognition for interface identification, allowing for assembly and programming of action control information to enable flexible configuration and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular robots use fixed configuration and single main function, then development cost is reduced, but flexibility and re-configurability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and re-configurabilityVSAvoiddevelopment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot is divided into multiple independent module units, each with standardized docking parts. These modules can be assembled in different configurations to create various robot structures, enabling flexibility and re-configurability without developing entirely new systems for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universal docking parts with interface identification information that can be used across all module units. This universal interface design allows the same basic modules to serve multiple functions in different configurations, reducing the need to develop specific robots for each field and application.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular robots allow free assembly of basic modules, then re-configurability is improved, but assembly verification becomes difficult and repetitive work increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvere-configurabilityVSAvoidassembly verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The docking parts are equipped with interface identification information that provides feedback during assembly. This identification system allows the control system to verify whether modules are correctly connected and positioned, eliminating the need for manual verification and reducing repetitive assembly work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly system performs self-verification through the interface identification information on docking parts. The control system automatically checks the correctness of module connections without requiring external verification, improving both ease of operation and re-configurability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If modular robots use standardized basic modules, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but functional scalability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidfunctional scalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system dynamically adapts its functionality through software control rather than requiring different physical modules. The standardized basic modules can be programmed to perform different functions based on their position and connection configuration, enabling functional scalability without increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses interface identification information and control parameters to change the functional behavior of standardized modules. By modifying control parameters and software configurations, the same physical modules can achieve different functions, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling functional scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3730254B1Modular robot control method and system
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 BEIJING KEYI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3730254B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3730254B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3730254B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of modular robot control, and more particularly to a method for controlling a modular robot and a system thereof. The method includes the following steps: T1: providing a plurality of module units; T2: assembling the plurality of module units into an initial entity structure; T3: acquiring initial virtual configuration information of the initial entity structure; T4: generating an initial virtual configuration based on the initial virtual configuration information; T5: setting an action frame to generate preset action control information; and T6: transmitting the preset action control information to the modular robot which executes a motion according to the preset action control information.