Throwable Two-Wheel Robot Backpack for Impact-Protected Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Throwable robots used in military and policing operations face challenges in surviving rugged conditions, including dirt, water, and large vertical drops, and require modular and flexible accessory attachments to meet mission-specific needs, with existing designs failing to adequately protect accessories from damage during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A two-wheeled robot design with removable accessory packs that utilize existing features and geometries to create a protected zone, including an elastomeric bumper for shock absorption, and a modular backpack system with adjustable tails to enhance impact resistance and flexibility, allowing accessories to be securely attached and swapped out in the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are mounted on the robot to extend functionality, then adaptability is improved, but the accessories are vulnerable to damage during impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory pack is positioned within the protected zone defined by the maximum deflection envelope of the wheels, nesting the accessory within the robot's existing protective geometry. The tail extends rearwardly to further define this protected zone, creating a nested protective structure that shields the accessory during impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastomeric bumper is attached to the accessory pack to provide beforehand cushioning against impacts. The elastomeric material absorbs impact energy before it can reach the accessory, providing prior protection against damage during throwing or dropping operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory protrudes beyond the protected zone to provide functionality, then adaptability is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric bumper is applied locally to the portions of the accessory pack that protrude beyond the protected zone. This localized cushioning provides impact resistance exactly where the accessory is most vulnerable, allowing the accessory to extend functionality while maintaining protection at the critical protruding regions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular accessory packs are added to the robot, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory pack is designed with universal attachment features that interface with the robot's existing structure. The pack can be secured using the robot's existing mounting points and tail structure, allowing a single accessory design to work with multiple robot configurations and mission requirements without requiring complex custom attachment mechanisms.
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 provides enhanced impact resistance and modularity, enabling the robot and accessories to survive significant drops and maintain functionality, with the ability to be reconfigured for various missions while protecting accessories from damage, ensuring robustness and survivability in harsh environments.
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
the wheels may be compressed due to impacts from throwing or falls a limited amount, the elongate body is sized such maximum deflection or compression of the wheels upon a flat surface does not allow contact of the elongate body with the impact surface
Data Source
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.