Modular Robot Head and Neck Assembly with Replaceable Outer Skeleton

Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot head and neck assemblies require the entire structure to be replaced for appearance changes, resulting in high costs and complexity, as the appearance cannot be modified without replacing the entire skeleton.

Innovation Solution

A modular design where the robot head and neck assembly consists of a separable inner skeleton and outer skeleton, allowing the outer skeleton to be replaced independently to change the appearance without replacing the entire assembly, with the inner skeleton defining movement and the outer skeleton defining the shape and appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the whole robot head and neck skeleton is replaced to change the appearance, then the appearance can be changed, but the cost is high and the process is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance changeabilityVSAvoidreplacement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot head and neck skeleton is divided into two independent parts: an inner skeleton that provides structural support and movement functionality, and an outer skeleton that defines the appearance. The outer skeleton can be detached and replaced independently from the inner skeleton through a connection structure, allowing appearance changes without replacing the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the whole robot head and neck skeleton is replaced to change the appearance, then the appearance can be changed, but the cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance changeabilityVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The robot head and neck skeleton is divided into two independent parts: an inner skeleton that provides structural support and movement functionality, and an outer skeleton that defines the appearance. The outer skeleton can be detached and replaced independently from the inner skeleton through a connection structure, allowing appearance changes without replacing the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If the outer skeleton is made lightweight to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead and neck weightVSAvoidskeleton strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The outer skeleton is constructed using composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing it to be lightweight while maintaining sufficient structural strength. The composite structure enables the outer skeleton to protect internal components and maintain its shape without adding excessive weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3702112B1Robot head and neck assembly, and robot

Publication Date: 2021.11.10 CLOUDMINDS BEIJING TECH CO LTD

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AI summary

The present deals with a robot head and neck assembly (20) and a robot with such an assembly, wherein the robot head and neck assembly (20) includes a head and neck inner skeleton (21) and a head and neck outer skeleton (22), disposed on an outer side of the head and neck inner skeleton (21), and wrapping the head and neck inner skeleton (21). The appearance of the robot head and neck may be changed by only replacing the head and neck outer skeleton (22) of the robot, with no need to wholly replace the robot head and neck assembly (20), and the cost is very low.