Modular Robotic Vehicle Architecture for Task Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic vehicles are limited in their ability to adapt to a plurality of tasks with varying complexity and heterogeneity, often requiring multiple purchases due to high costs and maintenance issues, and lack efficient modular designs that support easy exchangeability and reusability.
Innovation Solution
A modular robotic vehicle design featuring interchangeable power, motor, and drive modules, along with optional entertainment modules, allowing for customizable configurations to meet different task requirements, including hitch joints, compartments for various attachments, and adjustable motor housings for versatile operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single robot is designed to perform multiple tasks with varying complexity and heterogeneity, then the robot's versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases and adaptability to specific task requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is divided into a core robot platform and separate interchangeable task-specific modules. Each module is designed to perform a specific function (lawnmower, snowblower, wagon, etc.), allowing the core robot to remain relatively simple while achieving versatility through module combinations. The module interface standardization enables easy attachment and detachment without increasing core system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core robot platform is designed with universal interfaces and capabilities that can work with multiple different task modules. The robot includes standardized mounting mechanisms, power transmission interfaces, and control systems that can accommodate various attachments, enabling one robot to perform multiple functions without requiring complex task-specific customization.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized robots are purchased to cover different tasks, then task-specific performance is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple specialized functions are merged into a single robot platform through the use of interchangeable modules. Instead of purchasing separate robots for lawn care, snow removal, and cargo transport, the user buys one core robot and attaches different modules as needed. This consolidation maintains task-specific performance while significantly reducing the number of purchases required.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot platform is designed with universal capabilities that can perform multiple specialized tasks through module attachments. The standardized interface system allows a single robot to reliably execute diverse functions from lawn mowing to snow blowing to cargo hauling, providing economic efficiency while maintaining specialized performance through purpose-built modules.
3Ease of manufacture
If the robot is designed with fixed configuration for a specific task, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability to different tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a standardized core robot and separate task modules. The core robot is manufactured with universal interfaces and basic capabilities, keeping its manufacturing relatively simple and cost-effective. Specialized functions are manufactured as separate modules that can be produced independently and attached as needed, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without requiring the entire system to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot configuration is made dynamic through interchangeable modules rather than fixed design. The core robot maintains a standardized, simpler design that can adapt to different tasks by accepting various attachments. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to maintain low manufacturing costs for the core platform while achieving high adaptability through module swaps.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular robot vehicle comprising of a power module, a plurality of motor modules, a plurality of wheel or propeller drive modules, entertaining module, and an optional attachment module, where a combination of different modules can be selectively replaceable and configurable to fulfill a desired function in accordance with capabilities of an extension module and practical requirements. The extension module may be one of a plurality of interchangeable, heterogenous extension modules that are operably attachable to the vehicle body.