Robotic Vehicle Lid Control for Variable Torque and Safe Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous robotic vehicles face challenges in smoothly operating their lids to access storage spaces without inconveniencing users, damaging items, or damaging the lid or vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A lid controller mechanism that uses a motor controlled by a processor to adjust the coupling force based on the angular position of the lid, alternating the orientation of the coupling force to adapt to external environmental forces like gravity and wind, and triggering emergency actions if the lid's movement is blocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor operates the lid with constant coupling force, then the lid can be moved reliably, but external environmental forces (gravity, wind) cause uneven torque and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coupling force variable rather than constant. The processor dynamically adjusts the electric current value provided to the motor based on the lid's angular position, creating a time-varying coupling force that adapts to changing external environmental forces throughout the lid's movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electric current parameter supplied to the motor. The processor changes the current value according to the lid's angular position, which directly alters the motor's coupling force output to match the varying torque requirements and counteract external forces at different positions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the coupling force is increased to counteract external forces, then damage is prevented, but the lid movement becomes forceful and may inconvenience users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different coupling force levels at different angular positions of the lid. Rather than using a uniformly high force throughout the movement, the system tailors the force magnitude to the specific positional requirements, applying higher force only where external forces are greatest and lower force where they are minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of coupling force based on angular position allows the system to be gentle when users are present (lower force at positions where users interact) while still providing sufficient force to counteract external environmental forces when needed, thus maintaining both safety and user convenience.
3Productivity
If the lid moves quickly to improve efficiency, then productivity increases, but the risk of damaging items or components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls both the magnitude and duration of electric current based on angular position, enabling the lid to move efficiently through positions where high speed is safe while automatically reducing speed and force in zones where damage risk exists, thus reconciling productivity with safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic alternation of current direction (reversal) at specific angular positions creates a controlled motion pattern that allows the lid to move quickly in safe zones while pausing or moving slowly in sensitive zones, maintaining productivity while preventing damage through rhythmically timed speed variations.
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 seamless and controlled movement of the lid, effectively counteracting external forces and preventing damage, while ensuring safe and efficient operation of the robotic vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The lid is operated by a motor, the motor receiving an electric current controlled by a processor
Implementation Method 2
external environmental forces such as gravitational force and wind load may exert respective torque on the lid
Data Source
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AI summary
Method (1100) of operating a lid (223) of a robotic vehicle (220). The lid (223) is operable by a motor between an opened and a closed positions. When the lid (223) is between the opened position and a first intermediary position, a first electric current having a first value is provided to the motor for exerting a first force on the lid. When the lid (223) is between the first intermediary position and a second intermediary position, a second electric current, having a second value whose sign is opposite to a sign of the first value, is provided to the motor for exerting a second force on the lid. The second force is applied in an opposite direction of the first force. When the lid (223) is between the second intermediary position and the closed position, a third electric current having a third value having a same sign than the first value is provided to the motor.