Modular Robot Joints With Cylindrical Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modular robots for educational purposes are unsatisfactory in terms of simplicity, speed, and safety of assembly, as well as versatility in configuration.
Innovation Solution
A modular functional device with articulated motorized joints and frame bodies that can be easily connected and disconnected, featuring orthogonal cylindrical seats for secure attachment and independent motorized actuation, allowing for various configurations such as robot arms and self-driven vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modular robot structures are used with motorized joints and bolts, then the robot can be configured in various ways, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into modular components (frame bodies and joints) that can be independently assembled and configured. Each joint contains integrated motorized actuators, allowing the system to be segmented into functional units that simplify the overall assembly process while maintaining high configurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame bodies are designed with multiple cylindrical seats that can accommodate different types of joints (rotary, prismatic, articulated) in a standardized manner. This universal interface allows a single frame body type to support various functional configurations, reducing the number of unique components needed and simplifying assembly procedures.
2Reliability
If traditional bolted connections are used for modular joints, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly process is slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using traditional bolted connections where fasteners are inserted through holes, the invention uses cylindrical seats that receive cylindrical joint portions. This inverted approach allows for simpler insertion and removal operations, transforming a complex fastening process into a straightforward plug-and-play connection that maintains secure attachment while dramatically reducing assembly time.
3Ease of operation
If unskilled operators are to assemble the robot themselves, then independence is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frame bodies are pre-configured with multiple cylindrical seats in specific positions and orientations before the user arrives. This preliminary arrangement of connection points allows unskilled operators to simply attach joints to the appropriate seats without needing to plan or calculate connection points, significantly reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining the ability to create various configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is a functional device for educational use with modules that can be combined together. The device comprises: - one or more frame bodies (42, 44); and - one or more motorized joints (22, 24), each joint comprising: - one or more electric motors (227); - a unit (280) for power supply and control of said motors; and - a first, fixed, cylindrical portion (22A, 24A) and a second, mobile, cylindrical portion (22B, 24B), wherein said first cylindrical portion contains inside it said one or more electric motors. Each frame body identifies a first cylindrical seat (42A, 44A) and a second cylindrical seat (42B, 44B) pre-arranged for receiving and having fixed indifferently thereon said first cylindrical portion (22A, 24A) or said second cylindrical portion (22B, 24B) of said joints.