Bipedal Robot Head Shell Layout for Protected Visual Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current humanoid robots lack a durable and adaptable head design that can effectively communicate and interact with humans while withstanding harsh environments, and their displays are vulnerable to damage from contaminants and physical impacts.
Innovation Solution
A humanoid robot head design featuring a protective frontal shell that houses a versatile display system, which includes a curved display positioned behind a shield to protect it from damage and enhance durability, along with illumination assemblies for additional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display is positioned in the head of a humanoid robot to enable communication with humans, then the robot's ability to communicate and interact is improved, but the display becomes vulnerable to damage from contaminants and physical impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The head is divided into separate functional zones: a protected rear section housing the display and electronics, and a forward protective shell. This segmentation allows the display to be shielded from direct exposure to contaminants and physical impacts while maintaining communication functionality through the protective structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective shell is positioned in front of the display before any harmful contact can occur. This shell serves as a preemptive barrier against contaminants and physical impacts, cushioning the display from potential damage while allowing the display to function for human communication.
2Reliability
If a protective shell is added to shield the display, then the display durability is improved, but the head design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shell is merged with the head structure itself, forming an integrated unit rather than a separate attachment. This combining of the protective function with the head's structural form reduces overall complexity while maintaining display protection, avoiding the need for additional independent protective components.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the display is positioned behind a protective shell, then the robot's operational lifespan is extended, but the illumination and visibility for communication may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective shell incorporates transparent or translucent regions that allow light to pass through, maintaining display visibility and illumination intensity. These optical properties of the shell material ensure that the display remains effectively visible for communication while still providing protective shielding to extend operational lifespan.
Data Source
AI summary
A bipedal robot includes an upper region includes a head and neck assembly having a neck portion and a head portion coupled to the neck portion. Said head portion includes: a frontal shell having a rear edge, a rear shell having a frontal edge, and an illumination assembly. The illumination assembly is configured to illuminate a region that: (i) extends between a rear edge of the frontal shell and an extent of the frontal edge of the rear shell, (ii) is positioned adjacent to the extent of the rear edge of the frontal shell, and (iii) is positioned adjacent to the extent of the frontal edge of the rear shell.