Modular Robotic Vehicle With Interchangeable Working Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic lawn mowers are limited in adaptability and functionality due to their monolithic design, which restricts their ability to perform various tasks beyond their intended use and makes maintenance and adaptation complex.
Innovation Solution
A modular construction approach for robotic vehicles, comprising a power module with control circuitry and a working module that can be easily swapped, allowing for different attachments such as cutting decks, snow throwers, or brush cutters, enabling the robotic vehicle to adapt to various tasks and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a monolithic design is used for robotic lawn mowers, then the device can be manufactured with simpler structure and lower cost, but the adaptability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic mower is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit containing power source and control systems, and interchangeable working modules (cutting deck, snow thrower, brush cutter) that can be attached and detached. This segmentation enables different functions without redesigning the entire system, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal mounting interface is designed on the base unit that can accommodate multiple types of working modules. The standardized attachment mechanism allows a single base unit to perform multiple functions by simply changing the working module, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Ease of repair
If all electronics and hardware are integrated onto a single chassis, then the device structure is simplified, but the ease of maintenance and cleaning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the working module from the base unit, maintenance activities such as cleaning the cutting deck or replacing blades can be performed on the detached working module without affecting the integrated electronics and power systems in the base unit. This segmentation significantly improves ease of maintenance while keeping the base unit structure relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to adapt to different tasks and environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized universal mounting interface is designed into the base unit that can accommodate multiple types of working modules. This universal design allows a single base unit to perform multiple functions by simply changing the working module, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows worn or damaged working modules to be easily detached and replaced with new or备用 modules. The base unit and functional components are preserved and can be reused with different working modules, reducing the need to manufacture entirely new systems for different tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic vehicle may include a power module and a working module. The power module may include control circuitry configured to execute stored instructions to direct operation of the robotic vehicle on a defmed area, and a drive motor for propelling the robotic vehicle responsive to control by the control circuitry. The working module may be configured to perform a function with respect to the defmed area responsive to being propelled by the power module. The working module may be one of a plurality of interchangeable working modules that are attachable to the power module. At least one of the interchangeable working modules may have a different function than the working module.