The present specification refers to an application for an invention patent for a mobile robot, belonging to the technical sector of teaching materials used in education, which was developed to be an aid in the teaching and learning of technological disciplines, such as: electronics, programming and mechanics, intended for students of technical level, undergraduate, graduate and for improvement courses, specializations and technical qualifications.
Robot-type equipment used as didactic material in the teaching of various fields of knowledge is already known, which aims to offer means for the development of projects in robotics. Usually, these pieces of equipment are composed of associated systems comprising an electronic system to control the functionalities; movement system; work performance system; by means of a housing in which the devices that make up the systems are mounted and housed.
From the state of the art is known, for example, Brazilian patent application MU 7102059-4 in which a robot-shaped device constructed of parts that complement each other and manufactured from light material is described, forming the imitation of a metalized external finishing robot, consisting of cubic and hollow head and trunk parts, tubular parts imitating arms and legs in addition to hollow parallelepiped-shaped parts making the feet. In the head, appendages are embedded, imitating eyes, nose and ears; in the trunk there is a front rectangular opening with a transparent viewfinder from where a movable screen can be seen by winding two rollers inside the trunk and moved by means of levers and an opening where a device plays tapes. Said hollow robot encloses inside, as if wearing it, a person who acts as a presenter and moves the rollers that change the position of the screen with a message. All equipment serves as a means of disseminating educational messages.
Another document that can be cited is Brazilian BR 1020170037770 comprising an educational kit for robotics to teach introductory concepts of programming and electronics, which is essentially characterized, but not only, by the composition of a low-cost electronic board, used for programming which enables the opportunity to popularize access to introductory knowledge of robotics. Also composed of a box that forms the body of the robot; accessories such as adhesive to compose the eyes and wheels; a USB interface; flash and expandable memory; holes for Wi-Fi expansion and/or built-in Wi-Fi chip; memory; source; voltage at 5V; rechargeable battery; two indicator LEDs; reset button and four docking holes, compatible with open-source software, such as Arduino or similar. A peculiar feature due to the way in which the board was developed is that the formation of the board itself is a USB connector. This feature helps a lot in reducing the cost of the Kit, as it is not necessary to include a USB extension cable.
The objects of these patent applications at the time met expectations, but currently the resources of electronics, computer science, pedagogical techniques have evolved making them outdated.
Thus, the patented equipment, referenced by the Brazilian Patent MU 7102059-4 U2, represents a milestone in educational robotics. This equipment, during the period of validity of its patent, was recognized in Brazil as an innovative solution for technological education. However, it has some limitations and drawbacks, such as complexity of assembly and disassembly: Unlike the robot claimed herein, the previous patented equipment has a more rigid and complex structure, making it difficult for students to assemble and disassemble it. This can limit the customization and adaptability of the robot to different learning needs and projects.
Another drawback concerns restrictions on integration with current technologies, in fact, this previously patented equipment may not be integrated with the most up-to-date and widely used open-source technologies and programming languages. This may restrict the possibilities of exploration and deepening of students in relation to recent advances in the field of robotics and automation. In view of all the above, there is an interest in providing new didactic robot-type equipment that overcomes the drawbacks of the state of the art.
Thus, the objective of the present invention patent application is to provide mobile robot-type equipment that overcomes the problems and limitations of the state of the art, particularly regarding offering a greater field of teaching options.
Another objective is to provide didactic robot-type equipment that incorporates updated robotics resources.
Another objective is to provide didactic robot type equipment that favors the training of skills in electronics, programming and mechanics.
Another objective is to provide didactic robot type equipment that presents relatively simple construction and manufacture.
Another objective is to provide didactic robot type equipment that has low acquisition, operation and maintenance costs, to be accessible for numerous applications in the area of teaching.
In view, therefore, of the aforementioned problems and in order to overcome them and in order to meet the related objectives, the mobile didactic robot for education, object of the present invention, was developed, which is essentially comprised: by an electronic system for controlling the movement and work operations of the robot; movement system formed by a pair of sets of front, equal, symmetrical and opposite wheels, corresponding stepper motors; central rear transferring sphere; and by ultrasonic sensors, range sensors, distance sensor, sensor of the accelerometer, image sensor, webcam camera; work performance system comprising: front assembly of pallet fork lift; agricultural sprayer set and others; control system comprising remote control device; rectangular prismatic housing, with irregular octagonal horizontal section, modulated, with mountable/demountable modules comprising: lower structural chassis, intermediate chassis, upper cover; set of surrounding closing fairings: front, side and rear; by mounting devices comprising screws and nuts and/or magnetic buttons; light and sound signaling set; buttonhole and power supply system formed by battery and connector for 24-volt direct current electric power supply cable.
This construction overcomes the problems and limitations of the state of the art, mentioned above, since it provides: Modularity and Flexibility—Unlike prior art equipment, the present robot is designed with a modular structure that allows easy assembly and disassembly. This allows students to adapt the robot to their specific learning and experimentation needs, expanding the possibilities of customization and customization without losing its industrial and professional aspect.
Advanced Technologies Integration: This robot has integration with programming platforms widely used in the industry, in addition to having the possibility of integration with embedded development boards such as Raspberry and Arduino, in addition to having the possibilities of programming using Python and ROS (Robot Operating System). This characteristic provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in low and high-level programming, in addition to understanding fundamental concepts of control and automation, overcoming the limitations of the usual equipment.
Improved Mobility and Autonomy: The present robot features advanced mobility and autonomous navigation features, allowing the robot to move independently in controlled environments. Using sensors and intelligent navigation algorithms, students can explore concepts such as computer vision, environment mapping and real-time decision-making, providing a more complete and immersive experience. Such advantageous aspects meet the main object of the invention
In addition to these advantageous aspects in relation to the equipment of the state of the art, the present robot presents relatively simple construction and manufacture and low acquisition, operation and maintenance costs, thus meeting other objects of the invention
The attached drawings refer to the mobile didactic robot for education, object of the present patent application, in which:
As illustrated in the figures above and provided for in the description, the object of the present description, is an auxiliary equipment for the teaching and learning of technological disciplines, such as: electronics, programming and mechanics, intended for students of technical level, undergraduate, graduate and also for improvement courses, and is understood, essentially (
In the present invention the main object to be protected in the patent, the robot comprises a:
The following descriptions are intended to further detail the robot components:
Thus, the Power Control Board 11 manages all the peripherals of the robot, is associated with the CPU 12 through USB communication and receives commands according to its API, for the control of the robot (hardware).
Said Power Control Board 11 incorporates suitable power circuit and provides essentially (
The CPU 12 (
The sets of wheels, right 21, left 21 and corresponding stepper motors 22, 22 are equal, symmetrical and opposite, each set being formed (
The ultrasonic sensors 30 are of a sonar-like type, equipped with a transmitter of an irradiation and a receiver of the reflected irradiation from a surface adjacent to the trajectory of the robot and from which it must deviate, said reflected irradiation being received and fed into the electro-electronic system 10, Power Control Board 11 and CPU 12, where a command signal is processed and generated for 1) —maintenance of equal speeds for the stepper motors 22, 22′ and consequent rectilinear trajectory or 2) —speed variation of one of the stepper motors 22 or 22′, according to the position of the surface that generated the reflected irradiation wave and from which the robot must deviate, a speed variation that provides the generation of a curved trajectory for the robot.
The elevator pallet fork assembly 40 is formed (
The agricultural sprayer assembly 41 is formed, essentially (
The remote-control devices 51 may be comprised of: computer or notebook or tablet or smartphone or joystick programmed and operated by student(s).
The housing 60 has the lower structural chassis 61 provided with a front end that supports the stepper motors 22, 22′ and a rear end that supports the batteries. The intermediate chassis 62 has perforated peripheral flaps that support the ultrasonic sensors 30. The fairings 65, 66, 67, 68 have openings for exposure of the ultrasonic sensors 30, the front fairing 65 supports the track sensors 31 and infrared 32, the upper edges of said fairings are adjacent to the edges of the cover 63; the vertical edges of said fairings are adjacent to each other, and the lower edges are free and lie around the lower structural chassis 61. Upper cover 63 and intermediate chassis 62 have irregular octagonal contours. The top cover 63 has the surface provided with a plurality of sections of surfaces interspersed by holes/openings for mounting the accessories working in association with the robot 1.
When robot 1 is in use, the student(s) receives instructions about an intended application for it and proceeds to develop the construction and function characteristics for robot 1 necessary for the application.
Within this, programming (algorithm) suitable for the application is developed using one of the various languages as alluded to above. The constituent plates of the Power Control Board 11 and CPU 12 are assembled. The housing 60 has parts disassembled as needed and the plates 11 and 12 and peripherals to be used are mounted on the intermediate chassis 62 and other surfaces of the housing 60. The device for carrying out work assembly of elevator pallet fork 40 and/or agricultural sprayer 41 has its parts assembled and is assembled in suitable part of the robot 1. Electro-electronic connections of the peripherals to each other and to the plates 11 and 12 are made. The parts of the carcasses 60, which had been disassembled, are reassembled and the final adjustments are made, all this providing the student(s) with training in the areas of programming, electronics and mechanics, according to the objective of robot 1.
Once assembled and connected, the robot 1, via its running assembly composed of wheels 21, 21′, stepper motors 22, 2′ and transferring sphere 23, moves; the sensors 30 to 34 sense the area in which the robot 1 moves and the intended movement conditions for this and navigation is done by a student navigator through the remote navigation device 51 for real-time navigation or through pre-programmed navigation through a navigation algorithm resident in the CPU 12 and its devices that perform work, such as, elevator pallet fork assembly 40 and/or agricultural sprayer assembly 41 or others, perform their work at appropriate times of the movement of the robot 1 driven by a student through the remote command device 51 and/or through an algorithm for performing work operations resident in the CPU 12.
Within the basic construction, described above, the robot 1, object of the present patent application, may present modifications related to materials, dimensions, constructive details and/or functional and/or ornamental configuration, variations of computer technology solutions and others without departing from the scope of the requested protection.
Within this, robot 1 falls within the category of Multitasking Collaborative Land Mobile Robot, for industrial, agro-industrial, hospital, logistics and professional training applications, for practical and theoretical activities and tasks such as the consolidation of knowledge through research and training. It has housing 60 (base) in aluminum alloy ABNT-6063, wheels 21, 21′ of aluminum alloy ABNT-6063 and polyurethane (expanded PU).
Robot 1 has a metallic structure in fairing 61 to 68 in painted steel, which is painted with grey polyester base powder RAL 7024, microtextured finish, with a semi-transparent fume acrylic top cover of 5 millimeters thick.
The robot 1 can be equipped with standard NEMA-23 22, 22′ stepper motors or 12 or 24 Volt direct current motors, can incorporate features to be used in conjunction with special development boards, microcomputers, notebooks or laptops, computers, smartphones and/or tablets, through software, applications, firmware, including web platforms, using the concept of IoT (Internet of Things) and Cloud (Internet Computing), using Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, with local application programming interface or via internet.
Robot 1 contains electrical power converter, memory devices for recording, reproducing or transmitting sound and image, portable media player speaker, rechargeable batteries, power sources, digital cameras, receivers and transmitters of radio frequency signals, integrated into the data acquisition board and signal generator, motor controller and inductive and/or resistive loads that can be driven by it, in addition to having several electronic components for embedded systems.
Robot 1 has a programming interface compatible with Phyton, Java, C, C++, C#, Javascript, PHP, Ruby and Rails, GO, Scrath, among several other development languages.
Robot 1 has the following dimensions, Height: 246.5 mm Width: 294 mm Length: 425 mm Weight: 12.45 Kg External signaling via RGB led, configurable pushbuttons, sonar sensors and infrared sensors for distance measurement.
Robot 1 features data buses and communication protocols via serial communication API; wireless receivers and transmitters; digital signal converters; analog signal converters; programmable input and output memories and peripherals; firmware; Unix architecture-based operating system; random access memory; read-only access memory; intercommunication with various programming platforms
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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102023013030-5 | Jun 2023 | BR | national |