In-Vehicle Robot Head Structure for 3D Human-Like Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle robots are limited in their ability to simulate human head movements realistically and intelligently, as they can only rotate in two directions, lacking the freedom and complexity of human head motion.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle robot design that allows for three-dimensional movement around three axes, utilizing a base member, outer member, inner member, and multiple power transmission units to enable complex head movements, including a first, second, and third power transmission unit that allow the outer member to rotate around non-parallel axes, with a guiding member and moving member configuration to facilitate these movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the robot head rotates only in two directions (up-down and right-left), then the structure is simple, but the personification and intelligentization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidpower transmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot head is divided into multiple members (outer member, inner member) that can rotate independently around different axes. The first power transmission unit enables rotation around a first axis, the second around a second axis, and the third around a third axis non-parallel to the first two, allowing complex three-dimensional movements while maintaining manageable structural segmentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-directional rotation to three-dimensional rotation by adding a third power transmission unit that enables rotation around a third axis non-parallel to the first two axes. This dimensional expansion allows the robot head to simulate human-like head movements more realistically, achieving movements in multiple directions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If three power transmission units are added to enable three-dimensional rotation, then the movement realism is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of power transmission units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner member is positioned inside the outer member, creating a nested structure. The first power transmission unit allows the inner member to rotate around a first axis with respect to the outer member, while the second and third power transmission units allow the outer member to rotate around second and third axes respectively. This nested arrangement enables compact integration of multiple rotation capabilities within a limited space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic rotation capabilities where the outer member and inner member can rotate independently around different axes. The third power transmission unit includes a guiding member and moving member configuration that enables dynamic adjustment of the outer member's rotation around the third axis, allowing flexible and adaptive movement patterns that simulate human head motions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4400276B1On-vehicle robot
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4400276B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400276B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4400276B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an in-vehicle robot that can realistically and intelligently simulate movements of a human head. The in-vehicle robot includes a base member, an outer member, an inner member, a first power transmission unit, a second power transmission unit, and a third power transmission unit. The base member is rotatably mounted to a mounting object. The outer member is supported by the base member. The inner member is positioned inside the outer member and is supported by the outer member. The first power transmission unit allows the inner member to rotate around a first axis with respect to the outer member. The first axis passes through a portion of the inner member supported by the outer member. The second power transmission unit allows the outer member to rotate around a second axis. The second axis passes through a portion of the outer member supported by the base member. The third power transmission unit allows the outer member to rotate around a third axis that is non-parallel to both the first axis and the second axis.