Dynamically Reconfigurable Robot with Automated Tool Swapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots are limited by fixed form factors and attachments, restricting their versatility and ability to perform various tasks effectively.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically reconfigurable robot system that automatically determines and installs necessary tools and attachments within a reconfiguration cabinet to optimize size, weight, and power requirements for specific tasks, allowing for open platform expansion with new tools and attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robot is designed with fixed form factors and attachments, then the robot structure is simple and reliable, but the robot cannot perform different types of tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask performance capabilityVSAvoidrobot configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot is divided into modular components including a base unit, interchangeable tool attachments, and a reconfiguration cabinet. Each component can be independently selected and assembled to perform different tasks, enabling versatility while maintaining structural simplicity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base robot is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions by combining with different tool attachments. The same base unit can be configured for various tasks such as cleaning, assembly, or maintenance by simply changing the attached tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a robot carries all possible tools and attachments, then the robot can perform any task, but the robot size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask capabilityVSAvoidrobot weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Tools and attachments are extracted from the robot's permanent structure and stored separately in a reconfiguration cabinet. The robot only carries the tools it needs for the current task, reducing weight while maintaining the ability to perform diverse tasks by retrieving appropriate tools from the cabinet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot's configuration is made dynamic rather than static. Tools and attachments can be dynamically added or removed based on the current task requirements, allowing the robot to optimize its weight and capability for each specific operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a robot is manually reconfigured for different tasks, then the robot can adapt to new tasks, but the reconfiguration time and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask adaptabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robot performs its own reconfiguration automatically. The system includes automated mechanisms such as robotic arms or automated fastening systems that enable the robot to swap tools and attachments independently without human intervention, reducing reconfiguration time and labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Tools and attachments are pre-organized and pre-positioned in the reconfiguration cabinet in a ready-to-install state. This preliminary arrangement allows the robot to quickly retrieve and install the correct tools without time-consuming preparation or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If a robot uses a closed system for attachments, then the robot structure is stable and reliable, but new tools and attachments cannot be easily added

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidattachment expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is designed as a universal interface that maintains structural stability while enabling expansion. Standardized connection mechanisms allow both existing and new tools to be reliably attached to the robot base, creating an open yet stable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reconfiguration cabinet serves as a nested storage system that houses both current and future attachments in an organized manner. This nested structure allows the system to accommodate growing numbers of tools and attachments while maintaining organizational stability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20240165789A1Dynamically reconfigurable robot

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 IDEALAB STUDIO LLC

AI summary

A dynamically reconfigurable robot include a base selected from a plurality of different bases, one or more tools selected from a plurality of different tools, and a battery pack selected from a plurality of different battery packs. The robot is reconfigured in a cabinet having one or more actuatable arms operable to swap the base with one or more other bases, swap the one or more tool attachments with one or more other tool attachments, and swap the battery pack with one or more other battery packs to build the robot for performing a given task.