Connecting device and robotic tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connecting devices in robotic tools, such as robotic mowers, face issues with the upper cover being difficult to remove due to improper deformation forces, leading to laborious detachment and potential detachment during transport, and are not user-friendly for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a locking component that has a release and locking position, featuring a connecting seat and connecting rod with elastic connecting walls, allowing easy removal and secure attachment of the upper cover by adjusting the deformation of the elastic walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deformation force between the spherical groove and the connecting head is increased to prevent detachment, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it takes a lot of effort to remove the upper cover
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system with two distinct states: a locked state during operation where the spherical groove and connecting head are firmly engaged, and a released state for maintenance where the upper cover can be easily removed. The locking component enables switching between these states, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation force parameter is made variable through the locking component. When locked, the deformation force is high to ensure connection reliability. When released, the deformation force is reduced to allow easy removal. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the deformation force between the spherical groove and the connecting head is decreased to ease removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the connection may fall off during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection strength based on operational phase. During transport or maintenance, the locking component is in the released state allowing easy removal. During normal operation, the locking component engages to provide firm connection. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between ease of removal and connection reliability.
3Device complexity
If the connecting head is located below the upper cover for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as it is not convenient to observe for proper mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking component serves as an intermediary indicator between the internal connecting head position and the user. When the locking component is in the locked position, it visually indicates that the connecting head is properly engaged, even though the connecting head itself is hidden below the upper cover. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing observability without requiring the connecting head to be visible.
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 easy and reliable detachment of the upper cover for maintenance or transport while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation, addressing the challenges of laborious detachment and potential detachment issues.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of elastic connecting walls jointly define a sunken cavity for housing the connecting head. When the locking component is in the release position, the elastic connecting walls can be deformed outwards to allow the connecting head to be removed from the sunken cavity
Implementation Method 2
When the locking component is in the locking position, the elastic connecting walls are restricted from deforming outward to keep the connecting head in the sunken cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The robotic tool includes a body (1), an upper cover (2) and a connecting device (3). The connecting device (3) includes a connecting seat fixed on the upper cover and a connecting rod (30) fixed on the body. The connecting seat includes a locking component (32), and the locking component is provided with a plurality of elastic connecting walls (323), and the elastic connecting walls (323) jointly define a sunken cavity (322) to house a connecting head of the connecting rod. When the locking component (32) is in a release position, the elastic connecting walls can be deformed outward to allow the connecting head to be removed from the sunken cavity. When the locking component is in a locking position, the elastic connecting walls are restricted from deforming outwards to keep the connecting head in the sunken cavity (322).