Robot Head Movable Mask Mechanism for Expressive Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current domestic humanoid robots with two servos at their necks can only tilt forward and backward, and rotate left/right, limiting their expressive capabilities and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A robot head design featuring a movable mask mechanism with a first servo, first transmission mechanism, and second transmission mechanism, allowing the mask to cover and expose a face panel with display, and enabling flexion/extension of the head housing, enhancing the robot's expressive and functional capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two servos are installed at the robot's neck for forward-backward tilting and left/right rotation, then the robot achieves basic head movement capabilities, but the robot's expressive capabilities and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The head is divided into multiple independent movable components: the face panel can move relative to the head housing, and the mask can move relative to the face panel. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to expression, transforming a single-degree-of-freedom head into a multi-functional expressive system without requiring a complete redesign of the entire head structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static head components into dynamic ones by adding servo-driven movement capabilities. The face panel and mask are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing real-time adjustment of their positions and orientations to create various expressions. This dynamic approach enables the robot to convey emotions and intentions through coordinated movement of multiple components
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable mask mechanism with multiple servos and transmission mechanisms is added to enhance expressive capabilities, then the robot's functionality is enriched, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask mechanism serves multiple functions: it can cover the face panel completely, partially cover it, move sideways to reveal different areas, and coordinate with face panel movements to create various expressions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated mechanism rather than separate systems for each function, reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mask acts as an intermediary element between the robot's internal systems and its external appearance. By manipulating the mask's position and orientation, the system can convey different expressions without requiring direct movement of more fundamental structural components. This intermediary approach allows for rich expressiveness while protecting the underlying mechanical structure
Data Source
AI summary
A head of a robot includes a head housing, a lace panel connected to the head housing, a mask moveably connected to the head housing, a mounting frame arranged within the head housing, a first servo connected to the mounting frame, and a first transmission mechanism to transmit motion from the first servo to the mask so as to move the mask between a first position where the mask covers the face panel and a second position where the mask is lifted to expose the face panel.