Legged Robot Neck Vibration Absorber for Stable Sensor Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic vibration absorbers for legged mobile robots are difficult to adjust and ineffective in stabilizing sensor platforms due to limitations in frequency adjustment, leading to unstable acquisition of visual and inertial information during walking.

Innovation Solution

A neck device with a shock absorber and variable dynamic vibration absorber, including linkages, hydraulic dampers, springs, and a variable dynamic vibration absorber with an actuator, torsion spring, and linear stepping motor, adjusts absorption frequencies to stabilize the sensor platform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed dynamic vibration absorber is used, then the structure is simple, but the absorption frequency cannot be adjusted to match different walking patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption frequency adjustmentVSAvoidvibration absorber structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the vibration absorber's characteristics adjustable rather than fixed. The stiffness and damping coefficients are made variable through controllable elements (such as adjustable springs and dampers), allowing the system to adapt its absorption frequency to match different walking patterns. This transforms a static vibration absorber into a dynamic one that can be tuned in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical parameters of the vibration absorber (stiffness, damping coefficient, mass distribution) to adjust the absorption frequency. These parameters can be changed based on the detected walking pattern, enabling the same device to effectively absorb vibrations across multiple operating conditions without requiring multiple fixed-frequency absorbers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high-cost vibration-absorbing members are used, then vibration absorption performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorption performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs relatively simple and cost-effective vibration absorption components (such as basic springs, dampers, and mass elements) rather than expensive advanced materials or complex active control systems. The design achieves effective vibration absorption through clever mechanical arrangement and parameter optimization of inexpensive components, making the solution economically viable for mass production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration absorber is designed to function autonomously based on the walking pattern detection, without requiring complex external control systems or expensive actuators. The system self-adjusts its absorption characteristics through mechanical feedback and passive adaptive mechanisms, reducing the need for costly electronic control hardware while maintaining effective vibration suppression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Stable visual and inertial information acquisition is achieved while reducing manufacturing costs by effectively absorbing shock and vibration, using low-cost components.

Implementation Method 1

a shock absorber fixed to a body portion of the legged mobile robot in which a plurality of leg portions is supporting the body portion, the shock absorber being configured to absorb shock and vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of linkages may further include a hydraulic damper and a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The plurality of linkages may further include a hydraulic damper and a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 4

a torsion spring configured to be rotated by an operation of the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring mechanism: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 5

a linear stepping motor configured to be moved along the guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor actuation: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS12583134B2Neck device for absorbing shock and reducing vibration of legged mobile robot
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY R&DB FOUNDATION
  • US12583134B2 patent drawing
  • US12583134B2 patent drawing
  • US12583134B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Proposed is a neck device for absorbing shock and reducing vibration of a legged mobile robot. The device may include a shock absorber, a sensor platform coupled to a part of the shock absorber, and a variable dynamic vibration absorber mounted on the sensor platform. The shock absorber may be fixed to a body portion of the legged mobile robot and configured to absorb shock and vibration. The sensor platform may include a camera and an inertial measurement unit. The variable dynamic vibration absorber may be configured to adjust an absorption frequency of shock and vibration caused by a movement of the legged mobile robot. The shock absorber and the variable dynamic vibration absorber may reduce shock and vibration transmitted to the sensor platform, so as to reduce movement and rotation of the sensor platform.