Self-Aligning Magnetic Accessory for Spherical RC Robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RC controlled spherical robots lack a self-aligning mechanism to maintain a stationary accessory in a specific orientation, which hinders optimal RC controlled manipulation, as none of the known devices employ oppositely polarized magnets or an arcuate support structure to secure the accessory on the spherical body.

Innovation Solution

A self-aligning stationary accessory is implemented using a first pair of magnets with opposite polarities in the accessory and a second pair of magnets with opposite polarities on an arcuate support structure within the spherical body, creating attractive forces to maintain the accessory in a self-oriented position, indicating the internal drive mechanism's orientation for optimal RC controller operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a stationary accessory is magnetically coupled to the spherical housing using a single magnet or spring mechanism, then the accessory is secured to the housing, but the accessory cannot self-align to indicate the specific orientation of the internal drive mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation indication precisionVSAvoidmagnetic coupling structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system is segmented into multiple magnets (first and second magnets) with alternating polarities arranged in a circular pattern on the stationary accessory, corresponding to multiple magnets (third and fourth magnets) on the arcuate support structure. This segmentation allows each magnet pair to contribute to both securing force and orientation indication, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic arrangement uses asymmetric polarity distribution where adjacent magnets have opposite polarities (North-South-North-South pattern). This asymmetric configuration creates both attractive forces for securing and a unique magnetic field pattern that indicates the specific drive mechanism orientation, enabling precise orientation indication without requiring complex additional alignment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If oppositely polarized magnets are arranged in a circular pattern on the stationary accessory and arcuate support structure, then the accessory self-aligns to indicate drive mechanism orientation, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveRC controlled manipulationVSAvoidmagnet arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic magnet arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: (1) securing the stationary accessory to the spherical housing through attractive forces, (2) self-aligning the accessory to indicate the specific drive mechanism orientation, and (3) providing a user interface reference for optimal RC control manipulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms, ultimately simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the precise magnet positioning required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If a spring mechanism is used to couple the drive system to the housing interior surface, then the drive system is mechanically supported, but the accessory cannot be precisely oriented for optimal RC control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic attractive forceVSAvoidaccessory orientation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical coupling mechanism with a magnetic coupling system using alternating polarity magnets. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical springs and their associated alignment tolerances, as the magnetic attractive forces automatically self-align the stationary accessory to the drive mechanism orientation. The magnetic field provides both the securing force and the orientation reference, achieving precise positioning without complex mechanical precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution allows for precise and optimal RC controlled manipulation of the robot by maintaining the stationary accessory in a specific orientation, enhancing user navigation and control of the spherical device.

Implementation Method 1

The second pair of magnets attract the opposite polarities of the first pair of magnets creating attractive forces that maintain the stationary assembly to the spherical body in an aligned self-oriented position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10870064B1Remote controlled device with self aligning magnetically biased accessory

Publication Date: 2020.12.22 HASBRO INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a self-aligning magnetic stationary accessory for use atop a spherical RC controlled self-propelled device. A novel device is employed includes a toy robot having first and second pairs of magnets aligned respectively with opposite polarities disposed in the stationary accessory. The spherical body with its stationary accessory allow the user to simply and precisely navigate the spherical body in a particular orientation for optimal RC controlled manipulation of the robot by a user.