Modular Robotic Unit With Interchangeable Mobility Augments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular robotic units lack the ability to adapt to various unforeseen environments and tasks, and are limited in their mobility, requiring users to assemble them without core programming and unable to exchange forms of mobility.
Innovation Solution
A modular robotic unit with a multi-sided frame comprising interchangeable attachments, featuring utility and mobility augment ports, collision detection sensors, a power source, and advanced electronics, allowing for simultaneous use of various utility and mobility attachments, enabling operation on ground, water, and air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If modular robotic units are designed with fixed attachments, then assembly is simplified, but adaptability to various environments and tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic unit is divided into modular segments including a base module and multiple interchangeable attachment modules. Each module can be independently assembled and detached, allowing the system to be configured for different tasks while maintaining simple assembly procedures through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic unit incorporates universal attachment interfaces and standardized mounting mechanisms that allow a single base module to accommodate multiple types of attachments. This enables the system to perform diverse functions across different environments without requiring complex reconfiguration procedures.
2Device complexity
If robotic units are designed with single form of mobility, then structural complexity is reduced, but mobility versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic unit incorporates interchangeable mobility modules that can be attached and detached based on operational requirements. The system transitions from static single-mode mobility to dynamic multi-mode mobility, where wheeled modules enable ground movement and aerial modules enable flight, allowing the robot to adapt its mobility characteristics to different task requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mobility parameters by exchanging modules with different locomotion capabilities. By replacing mobility modules, the robot fundamentally alters its movement characteristics (from ground-based to air-based mobility) without redesigning the entire system, thus achieving versatility while controlling complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable attachments are added to robotic units, then task versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Attachments are segmented into standardized modular units with uniform interface protocols. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be distributed across multiple simple, interchangeable modules rather than requiring a single complex integrated system, making the overall system more manageable despite increased versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection protocols are implemented across all attachment types. This universality reduces the complexity of managing diverse attachments by providing a common language for integration, allowing the system to handle multiple task types without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, mobile, robotic unit having an octagon frame with a removable top and a bottom. The frame is of a substantial diameter to hold various attachments. Centered on the faces of the sides of the frame are utility augment ports capable of equipping utility augments. A magnetic fastener strip is located between a plurality of utility augment port shields and a magnet. The frame has an inner compartment housing a plurality of electronics and a plurality of components. The frame has a main compartment crib enclosure, a power supply crib enclosure located below the main compartment crib enclosure, and a waterproof crib enclosure coupled to a platform on the top of the frame. Ultrasonic collision detection sensors are attached to the sides of the frame. Mobility augmentation ports are coupled onto the top and bottom of the frame to hold mobility augments for attaching various transportation methods.