Adjustable-Leg Robotic Platform for Stair Navigation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems fail to effectively navigate and deploy components on non-flat or irregular surfaces, such as stairs, while avoiding obstacles and maintaining stability, especially for individuals with physical difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a movable and adjustable platform equipped with multi-planar lidar, proximity, weight, turning, and tilt sensors, along with electric motors and a 3D model program, allowing for continuous data collection and processing to guide movement and adjust legs for stable navigation on multi-level structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a robotic system uses fixed legs for simple structure, then manufacturing is easier, but the system cannot navigate non-flat surfaces or stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing legs with adjustable lengths that can dynamically adapt to different terrain conditions. The legs transition from fixed to variable configuration, allowing the robotic system to navigate flat surfaces, stairs, and non-flat terrains. This is achieved through mechanisms that enable real-time adjustment of leg length based on sensor feedback about the ground profile.
2Measurement precision
If the robotic system adds multiple sensors for accurate navigation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensing system into multiple specialized sensor units distributed across different locations on the robotic system. Each sensor (lidar, proximity sensors, weight sensors, turning sensors, vertical positioning sensors, tilt sensor) handles specific measurement tasks, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision while managing complexity through functional decomposition and distributed sensing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic system uses vertically-extensible legs for stair navigation, then adaptability to multi-level structures improves, but stability control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback control by continuously monitoring the positions of vertically-extensible legs using vertical positioning sensors and weight sensors, then adjusting leg extension in real-time to maintain platform stability. The control system processes sensor data about ground contact forces and leg positions, dynamically adjusting leg configurations to keep the platform level and stable during navigation on stairs and multi-level structures.
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 reliable and safe navigation on both flat and non-flat surfaces, including stairs, by creating a dynamic 3D model of the environment for precise movement and obstacle avoidance, enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-planar lidar disposed on the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system and method having a movable and adjustable platform with a plurality of vertically-adjustable legs depending from the platform, the legs having wheels for moving and turning, and a plurality of sensors incorporated with a 3-D model program and movement algorithm that utilizes the information and data collected by the sensors for directing the motors and controls units to move and adjust the robotic system and the system device provided herein.