Autonomous Mobile Robot Self-Inspection Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting the functionality of detection elements in autonomous mobile apparatuses, such as robots, are cumbersome and require additional space, especially in restricted environments like households, as they necessitate the use of suspension devices to rotate the robots and align them with multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
A performance inspection method that allows the detection element carrying portion of the autonomous mobile apparatus to rotate independently while maintaining the main body at a reference position, eliminating the need for external suspension devices and enabling inspections in confined spaces by using the apparatus's own locomotion or revolving mechanisms to confront detection elements with predefined directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suspension device is used to rotate the robot to confront it to plural directions sequentially, then whether or not each detection element is functioning normally can be inspected, but the operation becomes troublesome and additional installation space is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The robot uses its own built-in rotation enabling means (locomotion mechanism or revolving portion) to perform self-rotation for inspection purposes, eliminating the need for external suspension devices. The robot autonomously rotates its main body or detection element carrying portion to confront detection elements to multiple directions sequentially, making the inspection process simpler and not requiring additional installation space.
2Reliability
If a suspension device is used to rotate the robot, then detection elements can be inspected in multiple directions, but installation space is required which is difficult to provide in narrow household environments
Solution Approach 1:
The robot utilizes its own rotation enabling means already present in its structure (locomotion mechanism for main body rotation or revolving portion for detection element carrying portion rotation) to perform self-rotation during inspection. This eliminates the need for external suspension devices and additional installation space, making the inspection method suitable for narrow household environments.
3Measurement precision
If the robot is suspended and rotated to predefined directions, then detection elements can be inspected accurately, but it is troublesome to adjust rotation angles accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously controls its own rotation to confront detection elements to multiple predefined directions sequentially using its rotation enabling means. The system automatically manages the rotation angles and positioning, eliminating the need for manual adjustment of rotation angles by operators. This maintains inspection accuracy while greatly simplifying the operation.
4Reliability
If multiple subjects are disposed at the circumference of a circle around the robot, then all detection elements can be inspected, but the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of disposing multiple subjects around the robot and keeping the robot stationary, the invention inverts the approach by keeping a single subject at a fixed position and rotating the robot's detection element carrying portion to confront detection elements to the subject from multiple directions sequentially. This inversion greatly simplifies the inspection setup while maintaining comprehensive inspection capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An autonomous mobile apparatus (R) at a reference position (1) is confronted to a subject (T) with a predefined distance. The autonomous mobile apparatus (R) is rotated at the reference position (1) to confront plural directions sequentially. The subject (T) is detected every time when the autonomous mobile apparatus (R) is rotated to confront each direction to determine whether or not it is functioning normally.