Robotic Mannequin Kinematic Shells for Morphology Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic mannequins struggle to accurately reproduce the harmonious morphology of a human body, leading to discontinuities in deformation and body harmony, which complicates the production of clothing.

Innovation Solution

A robotic mannequin with a longitudinal frame and multiple shells that are kinematically coupled through articulated links, allowing for controlled translational and rotational movements to harmonize the surface topography and adaptively change morphology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical parts with relative mobility are used to reproduce individual measurements, then the mannequin can achieve multiple morphologies, but the deformation continuity and body harmony are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemorphology reproduction capabilityVSAvoidbody harmony and surface continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mannequin is divided into multiple independent shells that can move relative to each other, allowing each shell to be controlled separately to maintain surface harmony while achieving overall morphology changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shells are made dynamically controllable through actuators that adjust their positions in real-time, enabling continuous deformation that preserves body harmony while adapting to different individual measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moving parts with separate actuators are used, then the mannequin can adjust different body parts, but the morphological harmony cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebody part adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmorphological harmony

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple shells are kinematically coupled together through connection elements, merging their movements into a coordinated system that maintains surface continuity and morphological harmony while adjusting different body parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a central vertical rod with rotating elements is used, then the mannequin can change morphology, but the system becomes complex and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemorphology change capabilityVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized rotation mechanism is replaced by distributed actuators on each shell, segmenting the control system to reduce mechanical complexity while improving precision through direct actuation of each shell

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Complex mechanical linkages are replaced with simpler actuator systems that directly control shell positions, reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining morphology change capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4340668B1Robotic mannequin

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 EUVEKA

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AI summary

The invention relates to a robotic mannequin (10) comprising a frame (11) and shells that are movable relative to the frame (11). The plurality of shells includes at least one set of hinged shells comprising at least a first shell (110) and a second shell (120) which are kinematically coupled by means of a first kinematic link (210) allowing rotation. The mannequin comprises at least one actuator (310) configured to apply a translational movement to at least one of: the first shell (110), the second shell (120), the first kinematic link (210).