Robotic Brake Engagement for Fast Manual-Autonomous Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems face challenges in quickly switching between autonomous and user-guided control, which can be tedious and time-consuming, especially in potentially unsafe situations, and may not ensure safety on sloped surfaces in case of power loss.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a user-controlled input that can be engaged or disengaged to switch between user-controlled and autonomous operation, featuring a brake system that automatically engages when power is low and disengages when user-controlled, allowing for safe navigation and obstacle avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the brake system requires manual user input to engage or disengage, then the user has direct control over the braking system, but the switching between autonomous and user-guided operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system automatically engages or disengages based on detected unsafe conditions or operational mode transitions, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system monitors power levels, operational states, and environmental conditions to autonomously control brake engagement, thereby reducing operator workload and switching time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operational parameters (power levels, mode of operation, environmental conditions) and uses this feedback to automatically adjust brake engagement. When transitioning from autonomous to user-guided mode, or when unsafe conditions are detected, the system receives feedback and automatically engages the brake without requiring manual user input.
2Reliability
If the brake system automatically engages when power is low, then safety is ensured on sloped surfaces during power loss, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively engages the brake when power levels drop below a threshold or when transitioning to autonomous mode, before unsafe conditions actually occur. This preliminary action prevents potential safety issues on sloped surfaces without requiring complex real-time intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system monitors its own operational state and power levels, automatically engaging when needed without external intervention. This self-monitoring and self-actuating capability ensures safety while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
3Productivity
If the brake system requires user input for every engagement, then precise control is maintained, but the operational efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system automatically engages or disengages based on detected unsafe conditions or operational mode transitions, eliminating the need for manual user input. The system monitors power levels, operational states, and environmental conditions to autonomously control brake engagement, thereby reducing operator workload and switching time.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake control system dynamically adjusts its engagement state based on real-time operational conditions. During autonomous operation, brakes may be automatically engaged for obstacle avoidance or safety; during user-guided mode, the system transitions smoothly without requiring manual brake input, adapting its control strategy to maximize productivity.
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 rapid switching between autonomous and user-guided control, ensures safety on sloped surfaces during power loss, and reduces operator time spent on engaging braking systems, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a respective state of the user-controlled input is detected in either the engaged state or the disengaged state based on output of an electromechanical switch
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for engaging brakes on a robotic device are disclosed herein. According to exemplary embodiments, a user-controlled input device of the robotic device may configure a braking system to engage or disengage based on the user-controlled input device being engaged or disengaged by a user and the robotic device receiving a certain threshold of power. The user-controlled input device being engaged enables a human operator to move the robotic device.