Robot Tool Locking Interface for Hot-Swappable Payloads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robots typically have limited functionality due to a restricted number of interfaces, which can hinder their ability to perform tasks when tools or payloads are mounted, limiting their effectiveness and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a base with protruding features that engage with a locking mechanism, allowing a robot's gripper to stow and deploy tools or payloads quickly, enabling the robot to operate with expanded capabilities and flexibility by allowing hot-swappable tools and payloads without continuous holding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the manipulator continuously holds the tool, then the tool is always available for use, but the manipulator cannot perform tasks or operate on other objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool availabilityVSAvoidmanipulator operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is preliminarily stowed in the structure before deployment. The structure is pre-configured with the tool and a locking mechanism, so when the manipulator needs the tool, it is already positioned and ready for quick deployment without requiring continuous holding during manipulation tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static holding relationship to a dynamic interaction model. The locking mechanism allows the tool to be quickly deployed from the stowed position in the structure to an operational position, enabling the manipulator to switch between holding the tool and performing other tasks without continuous engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the robot has a limited number of interfaces, then the system is simpler, but the robot's ability to perform tasks is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface numberVSAvoidtask capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base and structure interface is designed as a universal mounting system that can accommodate various tools and payloads. The locking mechanism with protruding features (dowels) and corresponding recesses creates a standardized interface that can work with different tool types, increasing task capability without proportionally increasing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12251828B2Systems and methods for securing objects to robotic devices

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 BOSTON DYNAMICS INC

AI summary

A device for a robot includes a structure having a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The device also includes a receiving surface mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism. The receiving surface is configured to interact with a member of the robot to move the locking mechanism between the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration.