Snake Robot Monomeric Segment Perpendicular Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snake robots are limited to two-dimensional motion due to their joint structures, which restrict their adaptability on complex terrains.
Innovation Solution
A monomeric segment design where the rotating axis of the steering wheel and the connecting arm are perpendicular to each other, allowing the snake robot to swing left and right and up and down, thereby enhancing its adaptability on complex terrains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel and connecting arm share the same rotating axis, then the joint structure is simple, but the snake robot can only move in two-dimensional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by making the steering wheel's rotating axis perpendicular to the connecting arm's rotating axis. This transforms the motion from two-dimensional (single plane) to three-dimensional (multiple planes), enabling the snake robot to swing both left-right and up-down, thereby improving terrain adaptability without excessively complicating the joint structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single driving structure is arranged between adjacent joints, then the device complexity is low, but the snake robot cannot achieve three-dimensional motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second rotating axis perpendicular to the first, enabling motion in multiple dimensions. The steering wheel rotates about an axis perpendicular to the connecting arm's rotation axis, allowing the snake robot to achieve both lateral and vertical swinging motions, thus gaining motion freedom in three-dimensional space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the snake robot uses traditional joint structures, then the manufacturing is simple, but the obstacle-crossing ability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances obstacle-crossing ability by enabling three-dimensional motion through perpendicular rotating axes. The snake robot can now swing in multiple directions to navigate complex terrains and obstacles, going beyond the limitations of traditional two-dimensional joint structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A snake robot and a monomeric segment thereof are provided. The monomeric segment includes a housing. One end of the housing is provided with a steering engine unit. A steering wheel of the steering engine unit protrudes out of the housing. The other end of the housing is provided with a connecting arm fitted with the steering engine unit of another steering engine unit. The portion, between the steering engine unit and the connecting arm, of the housing is provided with a traveling mechanism. The interior of the housing is provided with a driving unit in transmission connection with the traveling mechanism. In the same monomeric segment, a rotating axis of the steering wheel and a rotating axis of the connecting arm are perpendicular to each other.