Robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots, particularly 'biscuit tin' robots, have limited traversal capabilities and have utility in tight spaces due to their design, and are unable to efficiently clean or maintain environments, particularly due to their traversal capabilities in tight spaces, particularly due to their traversal capabilities, and are unable to perform multiple functions effectively, particularly in tight spaces, particularly in tight spaces, particularly due to their traversal capabilities, and are unable to perform multiple functions efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A robot with legs, such as a quadruped, equipped with an extendible housekeeping module that can be configured in an 'underslung' position, allowing for improved traversal and housekeeping operations by extending the module to perform tasks like vacuuming, mopping, watering, or lawnmowing, and enabling access to restricted spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a robot uses a 'biscuit tin' configuration with a flat body, then access to restricted spaces is improved, but traversal capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to restricted spacesVSAvoidtraversal capabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot is divided into two functional segments: a compact body for access and an extendible housekeeping module for operations. The housekeeping module can be extended from the body to reach cleaning surfaces while the body remains compact for navigating tight spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housekeeping module is configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the body's main axis, allowing the robot to reach surfaces without increasing its footprint in the horizontal plane. This vertical extension enables cleaning access while maintaining compact horizontal dimensions for traversal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If equipment is mounted onto the top of the robot body, then interference with locomotion is reduced, but the robot becomes taller and loses access to tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelocomotionVSAvoidaccess to tight spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting equipment on top of the body, the housekeeping module is mounted underneath the body and extends downward. This inverted configuration keeps the robot's height profile low for accessing tight spaces while still providing the necessary cleaning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If the housekeeping module is extended to improve housekeeping performance, then access to support surface is improved, but traversal capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousekeeping operation performanceVSAvoidtraversal capabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housekeeping module is designed to be dynamically extendible and retractable. It can be extended when housekeeping operations are needed and retracted when traversal is required, allowing the robot to adapt its configuration based on the current task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250375075A1Robot

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 DYSON TECH LTD

AI summary

A robot is disclosed herein. The robot includes a body with an underside and a plurality of legs for supporting the body above a support surface. A housekeeping module is carried by the body, and during operation of the robot, the housekeeping module performs a housekeeping operation. The housekeeping module is extendible from the underside of the body.