Springtail Robot Jumping Mechanism and Balance Wheel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jumping robots are complex in structure, inefficient in energy utilization, and limited in adaptability to complex environments, lacking the ability for continuous jumping and flexible motion.

Innovation Solution

A composite motion robot based on the springtail movement mechanism, incorporating a body, jumping mechanism, balance wheel, and control module, which enables jumping, posture resetting, and efficient wheeled movement, with a simple structure and high energy utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If existing jumping robot structures are used, then jumping function is achieved, but structural complexity increases and energy utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy utilization efficiencyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jumping mechanism is divided into independent functional modules: elastic potential energy storage module (springs), energy release module (latch mechanism), and motion transmission module (connecting rods). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining high energy utilization efficiency through specialized design of each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the elastic deformation of the spring body simultaneously provides both energy storage and the jumping force, while the connecting rods integrate motion transmission and structural support functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components, simplifying the overall structure while preserving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing jumping robot structures are used, then jumping capability is achieved, but adaptability to complex environments is limited due to single motion form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to complex environmentVSAvoidmotion mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot integrates multiple motion capabilities into a single platform: the jumping mechanism provides vertical propulsion for obstacle clearance, while the balance wheel assembly enables rotational motion and posture adjustment. This multi-functional design allows the robot to adapt to various terrain conditions (flat surfaces, slopes, obstacles) without requiring completely separate motion systems, thereby enhancing environmental adaptability while controlling overall complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The balance wheel is designed as a dynamically adjustable component that can rotate to different angles and positions during operation. This dynamic adjustability allows the robot to modify its motion characteristics in real-time based on terrain conditions, enabling transitions between different motion modes (jumping, rolling, balancing) to enhance adaptability to complex environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If jumping mechanism is added to robot, then obstacle crossing capability is improved, but continuous jumping capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous jumping capabilityVSAvoidreset mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic springs are pre-loaded with potential energy before each jumping sequence, and the latch mechanism is pre-positioned to control the timing of energy release. This preliminary preparation allows the robot to execute rapid successive jumps without requiring complex mid-sequence adjustments, as the system is already configured for the next jump action. The reset mechanism simply needs to re-engage the latch, a simple action that enables continuous jumping capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Use of energy by moving object

If springtail movement mechanism is implemented, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but structural simplicity must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy utilization efficiencyVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic springs serve as self-contained energy storage devices that automatically recharge during the robot's movement or idle periods. The deformation and recovery of the spring body is a self-service process that requires no external power input or complex control systems, yet provides high energy utilization efficiency by directly converting elastic potential energy into jumping motion. This self-service characteristic maintains structural simplicity while achieving excellent energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The robot achieves multiple rapid intermittent jumps, adaptable motion modes, and remote communication feedback, overcoming structural complexity and energy inefficiency, with enhanced operability and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the torsion spring one, the torsion spring two, the torsion spring three and the torsion spring four are installed in sequence on the connecting pin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first end and the second end of the torsion spring one, the torsion spring two, the torsion spring three and the torsion spring four are respectively fixedly connected to the base handle stopper and the pitch block

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11628896B2Composite motion robot based on springtail movement mechanism
Publication Date: 2023.04.18 YANSHAN UNIV
  • US11628896B2 patent drawing
  • US11628896B2 patent drawing
  • US11628896B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a composite motion robot based on springtail movement mechanism, which includes a body, a jumping mechanism, a balance wheel and a control module. The body includes a right pallet, a U-shaped frame, a curved slide, a casing, a fixing plate, a left pallet and a pin block; the control module is installed on the body. Based on springtail jumping motion mechanism and by setting the jumping mechanism and the balance wheel, the invention enables the robot to have capability of movement, such as jumping over obstacles, balance wheeled translation, flipping posture reset, and self-balance resetting which is otherwise difficult to be achieved by traditional balancing carts, etc.