Modular Accessibility Blocks for Robot-Assembled Stairs and Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic platforms face limitations in mobility, reach, and stability when operating in hazardous environments, particularly when carrying payloads, which reduces their autonomy and increases the need for human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A robot-deployable modular accessibility system comprising modules with vertical and horizontal locating features, gripping portions, and interchangeable inserts, allowing autonomous assembly of structures like stairs or ramps to enhance mobility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robotic platforms are equipped with arms and tools for object manipulation, then their interaction capability is improved, but their reach and lifting capacity remain limited to a few kilograms and a couple of metres
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the robotic platform into multiple modular components: the base robot unit and separate accessibility modules (stairs, ramps, platforms) that can be independently assembled and attached. This segmentation allows the robot to maintain its core manipulation capabilities while adding external structures to extend reach and provide stable platforms for payload handling, effectively overcoming the lifting capacity and reach limitations without modifying the robot's core mechanical structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If robotic platforms operate in hazardous environments, then human safety is improved, but their autonomy is reduced due to environmental limitations on mobility and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs preliminary action by pre-assembling standardized accessibility modules with built-in locating features, locking mechanisms, and gripping ports before deployment. The robot retrieves these pre-configured modules and autonomously assembles them using the pre-designed interface features. This eliminates the need for real-time complex decision-making during assembly, allowing the robot to operate autonomously in hazardous environments without requiring human intervention for structural configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular accessibility structures are assembled by robotic platforms, then access to inaccessible areas is improved, but the complexity of assembly operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modules are designed with self-aligning locating features (protrusions and recesses) and self-latching locking mechanisms that automatically engage when modules are brought together. The vertical locating features on the top surfaces and horizontal locking features on the side surfaces create a self-correcting assembly process where misalignment is automatically corrected, and connections are automatically secured. This self-service mechanism dramatically simplifies the robot's assembly task, reducing it to basic pick-and-place operations without requiring complex positioning or locking control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A module for use in a robot-deployable modular accessibility system. The module includes a block, an attachment portion, and a gripping portion. The attachment portion is configured to attach the module to another module. The gripping portion is configured to enable a robot to grip and handle the module. The robot-deployable modular accessibility system includes a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules is configured to be assembled by the robot to form a structure. Also, a method of assembling the robot-deployable modular accessibility system by a robot.