Robotic Peripheral Connectivity via Universal Branching Harness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems require multiple fixed configurations due to differing power and communication interfaces, leading to increased size, weight, and logistical complexities, making them expensive and inflexible for reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a central wire harness and uniform connectors that branch out to multiple peripherals, using patch cables with embedded translators to ensure compatible power and communication connections, allowing for easy swapping and reconfiguration of peripherals without rewiring the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed configurations are used to support different power and communication interfaces, then compatibility with various peripherals is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design where a single connector type provides multiple power voltages and communication interfaces through standardized pins. This allows one connector to serve multiple functions and support various peripherals with different interface requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional regions with specific pins assigned to different power voltages and communication functions. This segmentation allows flexible allocation of resources while maintaining a unified connector structure, enabling different peripherals to access only the interfaces they need.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed configurations are used for different peripherals, then interface compatibility is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single multi-functional connector replaces multiple separate connectors, reducing the overall weight of the robotic system while maintaining compatibility with various peripherals through standardized pin assignments for different power and communication interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed configurations are used for different system variants, then specific task performance is improved, but logistical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed, static configurations to a dynamic reconfigurable architecture where peripherals can be hot-swapped and reconfigured during operation. The standardized connector allows rapid changeover between different task configurations without requiring system disassembly or complex re-wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing different peripherals with different power and communication requirements to be connected through the same universal connector. The connector adapts to different configurations by providing appropriate power voltages and interface connections based on the connected peripheral's requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customized cabling is used for each system configuration, then specific peripheral requirements are met, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal connector design with standardized pin assignments simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to create and manage multiple customized cable assemblies. The same connector can be used for all peripherals, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly time.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, systems, devices, and methods for a generalized architecture for power and networking in robotic systems is presented. On a robotic chassis, a branching cable harness routes multiple power connections and communications interfaces from an onboard computer and multiple power supplies to various locations on the chassis. Each branch carries all the power and communications connections that are needed by various peripherals, and all the branches terminate with identical connectors. A custom patch cable for each peripheral, such as a camera, taps the appropriate power and communications interfaces from the branches for the peripheral. The peripherals can be relocated on the chassis by unplugging their respective patch cables from the central cable, relocating, and then plugged the patch cables into the nearest branch.