Entertainment Robot Servo Tool-Free Assembly T-Slot Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing assembly processes for entertainment robots are complex and require tools, making it difficult for users to assemble and disassemble servo units, which hinders user experience and creativity.

Innovation Solution

A servo design for entertainment robots featuring a hexahedron casing with a non-centric output shaft and a servo plate with T slots and elastic positioning protrusions, allowing for tool-free assembly and disassembly by sliding and fitting the servo plate into the T slots, with symmetrical positioning grooves and mounting holes for secure alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional threaded holes and screws are used to connect servo units, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and tool requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is divided into a T-shaped slot in the servo unit and a corresponding T-shaped protrusion in the connection component, allowing separation of the fastening function from the structural body. This segmentation enables tool-free assembly while maintaining connection integrity through the geometric interlocking of the T-shape elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The T-shaped slot and protrusion act as an intermediary connection mechanism between the servo unit and connection component, replacing the traditional screw-fastener intermediary. This geometric intermediary provides both positioning and fastening functions without requiring external tools, thus reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional screws and threaded holes are used for assembly, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The T-shaped slot and protrusion design enables the servo units to be assembled without external tools or assistance. The geometric shape itself provides the fastening function, allowing users to complete assembly through simple insertion and engagement actions, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a fastener (screw) that requires rotation and threading actions, the invention inverts the approach by using a geometric shape (T-slot and T-protrusion) where the connection is established through direct insertion and engagement. This inversion eliminates complex assembly operations while ensuring reliable connections through the interlocking geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors and control systems are integrated into robot components, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot configuration versatilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The T-shaped slot and protrusion connection mechanism serves multiple functions: positioning, fastening, and alignment. This universal connection interface can be applied across different servo units and connection components throughout the robot structure, providing a standardized approach that simplifies assembly despite the presence of multiple connectors and control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the positioning and fastening functions into a single T-shaped geometric interface, eliminating the need for separate positioning features and fasteners. This consolidation reduces the number of assembly steps and components required, thereby reducing overall device complexity even as functionality and versatility increase through multiple integrated connectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3165267B1Entertainment robot servo
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD
  • EP3165267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3165267B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3165267B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a servo of an entertainment robot that includes a servo main body and a servo plate. The servo main body includes a casing and an output shaft. The casing is a hexahedron. The servo plate is fixed to the output shaft of the servo main body. The servo plate includes a square drive plate. At least one surface of the servo main body includes a T slot having an opening at one end. The size of the T slot matches the size of the drive plate of the servo plate. Tools are not needed for assembling/disassembling during the assembling of entertainment robots, thereby reducing the complexity during assembling, lowering the assembly difficulty, simplifying the assembling process, increasing the joy of DIY, and providing more space for the users to bring into play their imaginations.