Mobile Robot Housing With Nested Pressure Sensing for Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing daily life robots are limited in their utility as they are designed to provide only specific services, leading to low utilization compared to development costs, and there is a need for a robot capable of detecting collisions with people or obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot design incorporating an outer and inner cover with insulating materials, a battery generating an electric potential difference, and pressure sensing modules placed between the covers to enhance collision detection sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensing modules are installed inside the housing away from the outer cover, then the robot can detect collisions, but the sensitivity of impact detection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing module is nested within the housing structure, with the outer metal panel contacting the outer cover and the inner metal panel contacting the inner cover. This nested configuration allows the sensing module to be integrated into the existing housing layers, achieving close proximity to the outer cover for high sensitivity while maintaining structural organization and avoiding additional external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating sheet serves as an intermediary element positioned between the pressure sensing module and the outer cover. This intermediary allows the sensing module to be in close proximity to the outer cover for high sensitivity detection while preventing direct electrical contact that would cause short circuits, thus resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and electrical safety.
2Reliability
If the robot uses insulating materials for covers, then current shorting is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer cover for structural protection, an inner cover for component mounting, and insulating sheets positioned between them. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific function - the insulating materials are strategically placed only where needed to prevent short circuits between the battery and metal panels, rather than requiring complete redesign of the entire cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing employs composite construction combining insulating materials (outer and inner covers with insulating sheets) with conductive elements (metal panels). This composite approach allows the structure to simultaneously achieve electrical insulation where needed and electrical conductivity for the sensing function, resolving the contradiction between preventing short circuits and maintaining sensing capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensing modules are deployed with higher density in front and rear portions, then collision detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensing modules are distributed non-uniformly according to local collision risk: higher density in the front and rear portions where collisions are more likely, and lower density in the side portions. This local quality approach optimizes detection accuracy in critical areas while reducing the total number of sensors needed, balancing measurement precision with device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the robot is designed for specific services only, then the robot can perform dedicated functions, but utilization is low compared to development costs
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is designed with universal components and a modular architecture that can support multiple service functions. The housing structure with integrated pressure sensing can serve both as protective enclosure and collision detection system. The robot can be configured for different services (delivery, cleaning, companionship) using the same base platform, increasing utilization rates while avoiding the need to develop separate specialized robots for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution improves the sensitivity and accuracy of impact detection, allows for a compact robot design, prevents current shorting, and enables more precise detection of collision direction and intensity, particularly in frequently impacted areas like the front and rear.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensing sheet pressed between the outer metal panel and the inner metal panel and having a variable resistance
Implementation Method 2
The battery may generate an electric potential difference between the outer metal panel and the inner metal panel
Implementation Method 3
an outer cover including an insulating material and defining an appearance, an inner cover including an insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a mobile robot may include an outer cover including an insulating material and defining an appearance; an inner cover including an insulating material and configured to define a predetermined gap with respect to the outer cover; a battery disposed inside the inner cover; and at least one pressure sensing module disposed in the gap between the outer cover and the inner cover. The pressure sensing module may include an outer metal panel contacting an inner periphery of the outer cover, an inner metal panel contacting an outer periphery of the inner cover and spaced apart from the outer metal panel, and a pressure sensing sheet pressed between the outer metal panel and the inner metal panel and having a variable resistance. The battery may generate an electric potential difference between the outer metal panel and the inner metal panel.