Modular Robot Docking Interface for Automatic Position Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots lack flexibility and scalability, with fixed configurations and difficulty in obtaining accurate position information, limiting their reconfigurability and application in various tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular robot system with subunit modules that can rotate relative to each other, using interface identification information recognized through docking parts, and a control method that allows for reconfiguration and automation of position information recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot is designed with fixed configuration and single main function, then the robot structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the robot lacks flexibility and scalability for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into multiple independent unit modules, each with standardized docking parts. These modules can be independently manufactured and then assembled in different configurations to create robots with varying functions and capabilities, thereby achieving functional scalability without increasing individual module complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The docking parts are designed with universal interface identification information that can be recognized by any unit module. This universal interface allows the same type of module to serve multiple functions depending on its connection to other modules, enabling a single module type to contribute to different robot configurations and tasks
2Measurement precision
If position information is obtained through existing methods, then the system structure is simple, but the position information acquisition is difficult and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The docking parts automatically provide position information through their embedded interface identification information. When unit modules connect, the system self-recognizes the connection status and position without requiring external measurement devices or complex recognition algorithms, thereby achieving accurate position information acquisition while maintaining simple system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position measurement systems with an electrical/electronic recognition system. The interface identification information, transmitted through electrical connections at the docking parts, substitutes for traditional mechanical encoders, resolvers, or vision systems, achieving more accurate and reliable position information with simpler overall system architecture
3Reliability
If specific robots are developed for each field and application, then the robot performs well for that specific task, but the development cost is very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of developing entirely different robots for each application, the system segments robot functionality into reusable unit modules. Each module can be independently developed and tested, then assembled into different configurations for various applications, significantly reducing development costs while maintaining task-specific performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different robot configurations and functionalities by changing the arrangement and connection parameters of standardized modules rather than redesigning the entire robot. This parameter-based reconfiguration allows the same physical modules to be optimized for different tasks through software control and connection topology changes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a modular robot. The module robot includes at least two unit modules, each unit module includes at least one subunit module, and the subunit module includes at least two connected submodules; the two submodules can be controlled by electrical signals to rotate relatively, to change the modular robot configuration, and every unit module provides at least a docking part, the unit modules are connected through the docking part; different docking parts of every unit module have interface identification information, interface identification information of every docking part can be recognized, and the position information of the unit module is obtained by recognizing interface identification information of docking parts of connected unit modules. The present invention further provides the modular robot system and modular robot control method. The modular robot has advantages of simple recognition of position information and high degree of intelligence.