Dual Functional Robot Tilt Mechanism for Ball Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for collecting rollable objects, such as tennis balls, are not energy-efficient, require significant power for operation, and lack convenient access mechanisms after collection, leading to user inconvenience and energy depletion.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight autonomous robot capable of transitioning between horizontal and upright positions, equipped with a rotating collector and a holding basket, uses a low-energy mechanism to collect and store rollable objects, allowing easy access to the collected items by elevating them to a convenient height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If robotic collectors use mechanisms to lift and store balls at a height convenient for later use, then convenient access to balls is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using power-consuming mechanisms to lift the ball storage container to a convenient height, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the entire robot to be tilted upright. This passive tilting mechanism uses gravity and user leverage rather than active motors, dramatically reducing energy consumption while still providing convenient access to stored balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's chassis serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural base for autonomous navigation and collection, and simultaneously functions as a tiltable support structure that elevates the ball storage container to an accessible height when upright. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lifting mechanisms.
2Productivity
If robotic collectors deploy collection mechanisms to collect balls, then ball collection capability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional high-energy mechanical collection mechanisms (such as rotating brushes or suction systems) with a simpler, lower-energy mechanical approach. The collection mechanism uses the robot's motion and gravity-assisted transfer to move balls into the storage container, significantly reducing power requirements while maintaining effective collection capability.
3Productivity
If robotic collectors use efficient algorithms for ball location, then collection efficiency is improved, but energy waste from inefficient travel patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs sensors and algorithms that provide real-time feedback about ball locations, allowing the control system to dynamically adjust the robot's travel path. This feedback mechanism enables the robot to navigate directly to areas where balls are detected, avoiding unnecessary travel and reducing energy waste from inefficient collection patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dual functional robot for collecting rollable objects capable of a stable upright position and a stable horizontal position, in which the robot includes a way to propelling the robot; a way to controlling propulsion of the robot connected to provide commands to the means for propelling; a way to locating the rollable object connected to provide data to the way to controlling propulsion; means for collecting the rollable object; a way to storing the rollable object positioned to accept the rollable object from the way to collecting; a way to supporting the robot and allowing the robot to move across a surface in a low-friction manner; and a way to stably reorienting the robot from the horizontal position into the upright position.