Robotics Learning Platform with Multi-Level Real-Time Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotics and computing education platforms face challenges in providing accessible, affordable, and expandable learning solutions for students with varying economic means and network access, as they often rely on proprietary components and software, leading to issues with real-time functionality and programming support using low-cost processors.

Innovation Solution

A robotics and computing learning platform with a multi-level processing architecture and a component ecosystem that includes a removable processing module, network interface, and input-output interfaces, allowing students to write high-level programs and manage real-time functionalities using low-cost processors, and a component ecosystem with interchangeable parts made from common materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single low-cost processor is used to support high-level programming and real-time functionality, then the platform becomes more affordable, but the system freezes up or fails to support real-time functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaffordabilityVSAvoidreal-time functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides processing into two distinct modules: a high-level processing module for programming and a real-time processing module for controlling motors and sensors. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, with the real-time module ensuring reliable low-latency control while the high-level module provides accessible programming interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The high-level processing module acts as an intermediary between the student's programming code and the real-time processing module. It compiles and translates high-level code into commands that the real-time module can execute, allowing students to work with user-friendly languages while maintaining reliable real-time control through the dedicated real-time processor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If proprietary components and software are used, then the platform achieves stable real-time functionality, but the cost increases and network connectivity becomes required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time functionalityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses inexpensive, readily available components such as standard motors, sensors, and microcontrollers that can be sourced from common suppliers. The modular design allows these components to be easily replaced or upgraded without requiring proprietary parts, reducing overall system cost while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The real-time processing module is designed with universal interfaces that can work with various standard motors and sensors from different manufacturers. This universality eliminates the need for proprietary components, allowing the same core module to control different hardware configurations while maintaining reliable real-time performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If proprietary software is used, then real-time control is achieved, but the platform requires uninterrupted network connectivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time controlVSAvoidnetwork access requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the real-time control functionality from network-dependent proprietary software and implements it in a dedicated real-time processing module with local execution capability. This allows the platform to operate independently of network connectivity, with the real-time module directly controlling motors and sensors through local processing of sensor data and generation of control signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If existing robotics platforms are used, then real-time functionality is supported, but the system requires purchase of new or replacement proprietary parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time functionalityVSAvoidexpandability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The platform uses universal mechanical interfaces and communication protocols that allow standard components from different suppliers to be interchanged. The modular design with standardized mounting patterns and electrical connectors enables students to expand and modify their systems using commonly available parts rather than proprietary components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11024197B2Robotics and computing learning platform with multi-level processing architecture

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 TRASHBOTS INC

AI summary

A computing and robotics learning platform includes a component ecosystem with gears, pucks, side plates and connectors configured to support the integration of globally available materials, such as rubber bands, pencils and popsicle sticks is described herein. Certain embodiments according to this disclosure include a platform device comprising a multi-layer processing structure capable of implementing student programs written in beginner or high-level programming languages without latency or performance degradation from processing tasks associated with low-level system functions, such as motor encoding.