Self-Propelled Robot Magnetic Power Transmission

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled robots for surface treatment, such as pool cleaning, face maintenance challenges due to wear and corrosion of sealed joints and gaskets, requiring complex and costly repairs, and are vulnerable to water infiltration affecting electronic components.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled robot with a hermetically sealed protective casing using magnetic and/or electromagnetic mechanical power transmission to isolate internal components from the external environment, eliminating the need for sealed joints and allowing for easy maintenance and immersion in water without compromising the seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sealed joints and gaskets are used to protect internal components from water, then the robot can operate in water environments, but the sealed joints are subject to wear and corrosion over time, compromising the hermetic seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic seal reliabilityVSAvoidservice life of sealed joints

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical power transmission system (which requires sealed joints and gaskets) with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling transmits rotational motion from the motor to the external tool through magnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical seals and gaskets that are subject to wear and corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the internal motor and the external tool. The magnetic coupling acts as a mediator that transfers rotational motion across the hermetic barrier without requiring physical penetration or contact, thus maintaining the integrity of the hermetic seal while enabling power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If mechanical power transmission with sealed joints is used, then power can be transmitted to external tools, but water infiltration occurs due to wear of sealed joints, affecting electronic circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidwater infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical power transmission system (which requires sealed joints and gaskets) with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling transmits rotational motion from the motor to the external tool through magnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical seals and gaskets that are subject to wear and corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the internal motor and the external tool. The magnetic coupling acts as a mediator that transfers rotational motion across the hermetic barrier without requiring physical penetration or contact, thus maintaining the integrity of the hermetic seal while enabling power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If sealed joints and gaskets are used for power transmission, then the robot can maintain hermetic seal, but maintenance becomes complex and costly requiring skilled technicians and curing times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic seal integrityVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical power transmission system (which requires sealed joints and gaskets) with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic coupling transmits rotational motion from the motor to the external tool through magnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating the need for mechanical seals and gaskets that are subject to wear and corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the robot into hermetically sealed internal components and external non-sealed components. The magnetic coupling enables independent access to external components (wheels, tools) for maintenance without compromising the hermetic seal of the internal housing, allowing simple rinsing and replacement of external parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables routine cleaning and maintenance without risking electrical components, simplifies component replacement, and reduces maintenance costs by preventing water infiltration and wear-related issues, ensuring the robot can be immersed in water for cleaning without damage.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic coupling (50) between a shaft of the motor (4c) and a wheel (4a) or a tool (3) actuated by the wheel (4a)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic coupling (50) between a shaft of the motor (4c) and a wheel (4a) or a tool (3) actuated by the wheel (4a)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9527537B2Self-propelled robot

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 BERNINI FAB

AI summary

A self-propelled robot having a protective guard, at least one tool designed for the treatment of a surface, movement means comprising at least two motor-driven wheels to allow the movement of the self-propelled robot on a travel path, at least one mechanical power transmission designed to actuate the self-propelled robot and in which the one mechanical power transmission comprises at least one motor element and at least one driven element which are operatively associated by a magnetic field. The mechanical power transmission is operatively associated with at least two motor-driven wheels of the movement means.