Throwable Two-Wheel Robot Accessory Layout for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Throwable robots used in military and policing operations face challenges in surviving rugged conditions and protecting attached accessories from damage during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A throwable two-wheeled robot design featuring removable accessory packs that are protected from damage through the use of existing robot features and geometries, including a protected zone defined by the maximum deflection of the wheels and an elastomeric bumper for additional shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted on the robot to extend functionality, then versatility is improved, but the accessories are exposed to damage from impacts during throws or drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning accessories within a protected zone defined by the maximum deflection envelope of the resilient wheels. The wheel geometry and deflection characteristics are designed in advance to create a protective space that cushions accessories from impact forces during throws or drops, preventing damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient wheels act as an intermediary protective element between the impact surface and the accessories. When the robot is thrown or dropped, the wheels deflect and absorb impact forces, mediating the transmission of harmful forces to the accessories mounted on the robot body.
2Ease of operation
If the robot body is designed to be compact for throwing, then ease of operation is improved, but the space available for protecting accessories is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific protected zone in the space between the resilient wheels and the robot body, rather than requiring uniform protection throughout the entire robot volume. This localized protective space is strategically positioned to shield accessories while maintaining the compact overall dimensions needed for easy throwing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dynamic deflection of the resilient wheels during impact to create protective space. The wheels transition from a static compact position to a dynamic deflected position during throws or drops, temporarily expanding the protected zone volume without increasing the robot's static size, thus maintaining throwability while providing accessory protection.
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 solution allows the robot and attached accessories to maintain robustness and survivability during exposure to rugged conditions, including dirt, water, and large vertical drops, while enabling modular reconfiguration for mission-specific needs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric bumper may be provided to the projection such that the elastomeric material absorbs the shock of impact rather than the accessory
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric bumper may be provided to the projection such that the elastomeric material absorbs the shock of impact
Implementation Method 3
the wheels may be compressed due to impacts from throwing or falls a limited amount
Implementation Method 4
the compressible and resilient wheels and the integrity of the elongate body
Data Source
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AI summary
A two wheeled throwable robot with a pair of motorized wheels mounted on each end of an elongate body and a rearwardly extending tail. The body comprising a chassis with an accessory mounting interface on top side and rearward side. A backpack accessory providing active sensing or environmental effects has an inverted L-shape when viewed from an end and attaches to the rearward side of the elongate body and extends over the topside of the body. The stabilizing tail for the two wheeled robot attaches to a rearward surface of the backpack accessory. The robot and backpack accessory have impact protection means when the robot is thrown. The backpack accessory may be within a zone of protection defined by the maximum deflection of the wheels or may have elastomeric bumpers when the accessory backpack projects out of the zone of protection.