Modular Robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coverage robots require extensive disassembly and costly repairs when components fail, leading to high maintenance costs and potential discarding of the entire robot, as users often need to send the robot to a service center or purchase a new one due to the lack of modular design.
Innovation Solution
A modular coverage robot design allows for the removal and replacement of discrete components such as the cleaning head, wheel module, vacuum bin, and battery without affecting the robot's functionality, enabling tool-less electrical connections and easy access for maintenance, along with a modular structure that supports different functionalities and aesthetics through interchangeable modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the robot uses a non-modular integrated design, then the structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity are maintained, but the ease of repair and component replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into multiple independent modules including drive wheel assembly, cleaning assembly, sensor assembly, and dust collection assembly. Each module can be separately removed and replaced without affecting other components. The chassis includes corresponding receptacles with electrical connectors that automatically mate when modules are installed, enabling easy repair while maintaining overall system integration.
2Ease of repair
If the robot uses a modular design with separately removable components, then the ease of repair and component replacement improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design uses standardized interfaces and receptacles that can accommodate different module types. The electrical connectors are designed to automatically align and mate when modules are installed in the chassis. This universal interface approach simplifies the replacement process while managing complexity through standardization rather than custom connections for each module type.
3Productivity
If the robot requires extensive disassembly for component servicing, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each functional component is packaged as a separate module that can be quickly removed from its receptacle in the chassis. The modules are designed with external electrical connectors that automatically disconnect when the module is pulled from its receptacle. This segmentation eliminates the need for extensive disassembly and reconnection operations, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the robot uses a modular design with interchangeable modules, then the adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis receptacles and electrical connector design are made universal to accommodate different module types. Modules such as drive wheel assemblies, cleaning assemblies, sensor assemblies, and dust collection assemblies all use the same interface standard. This universality enables adaptability and versatility while managing device complexity through standardized interfaces rather than unique connections for each module type.
Data Source
AI summary
A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.