Modular Mobile Robot Platform for Multi-Service Automatic Driving

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots designed for daily life are limited to providing specific services, leading to low cost-effective utilization and a need for robots capable of offering various services.

Innovation Solution

A modular movable robot equipped with a module coupling plate for detecting coupled modules, a control unit for managing display units, a distance sensor for obstacle detection, and a driving sensor for automatic driving, allowing the robot to provide multiple services by changing modules and reducing the number of robots required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing robots are designed to provide only specific services, then the robot structure can be simplified and easier to manufacture, but the utilization efficiency and service versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice versatilityVSAvoidrobot structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot is divided into a base unit and multiple interchangeable functional modules. Each module performs a specific function (cleaning, delivery, companionship, etc.), and modules can be attached or detached from the base unit according to service requirements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility without permanently increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base unit is designed with universal interfaces and control systems that can work with any functional module. The same base unit can support multiple different modules through standardized coupling mechanisms, enabling one robot platform to perform multiple services by simply changing modules rather than designing separate robots for each function.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate robots are used to provide various services, then each robot can be optimized for its specific function, but production costs and space utilization increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice varietyVSAvoidnumber of robots required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

One base unit can accommodate multiple different functional modules, replacing the need for multiple separate robots. The universal coupling interface and control system allow a single robot platform to perform various services by swapping modules, thereby reducing the total number of robots needed while maintaining service variety.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional capabilities that would traditionally require separate robots are merged into a single system through modular attachment. The base unit integrates common functions (mobility, control, power management) while modules provide specialized functions, combining the advantages of specialization with the efficiency of consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If manual repositioning of robots is required to provide services at different locations, then robot automation level is reduced, but operational flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic driving capabilityVSAvoidservice delivery convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities can independently move to required locations and positions without human intervention. The self-service navigation system handles path planning, obstacle avoidance, and precise positioning, allowing the robot to autonomously deliver services to different locations while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The navigation system uses sensors and feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor the robot's position, environment, and task progress. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to navigation paths and actions, ensuring the robot can automatically and flexibly reach target locations while adapting to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3609657B1Modular movable robot
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3609657B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609657B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3609657B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a modular movable robot that is capable of providing various services and realizing automatic driving. The modular movable robot includes a main body, a driving unit mounted on a lower end of the main body so that the main body is movable, a module coupling plate mounted on an upper end of the main body to detect a module coupled to a top surface thereof, a body display unit extending from one end of the module coupling plate in a vertical direction, a head display unit rotatably mounted on an upper end of the body display unit, and a control unit configured to receive information with respect to the detected module from the module coupling plate to control at least one of the body display unit or the head display unit on the basis of the received information.