COMPATIBLE ROBOTIC ARM

A composite structure and article of manufacture for a composite structure arranged with a rotatable top are disclosed. In various embodiments, the composite structure is disclosed with improved angles of freedom and ability to be adjusted in multiple positions along six (6) axes, while all the six (6) axes are independent of each other, this provision indeed helps the user to have the composite structure adjusted in every angle that is comfortable for the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent application relates generally to robotic arm, and more specifically, to a robotic arm equipped with a rotatable top.

BACKGROUND

Today's robotic arms generally function within the space of six (6) axes of operation and its freedom of rotation is highly restricted requiring more space for operational freedom.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments provide a composite structure arranged with a rotatable top. The composite structure is designed in such a way that it is flexible, more agile and user friendly. With improved angles of freedom and ability to be adjusted in multiple positions along six (6) axes, while all the six (6) axes are independent of each other, this provision indeed helps the user to have the composite structure adjusted in every angle that is comfortable for the user. While most of the robotic arms in the market has the provision to be adjusted at different positions according to the use, but the positions that the user has freedom to change are usually limited to three (3) or four (4) for example. But, the disclosed composite structure has no limitation of that kind. The disclosed composite structure can be adjusted at multiple different positions along all six (6) axes and can be locked at any desired position that the user may feel comfortable with, in total contrast to the robotic arms currently in the market.

In one embodiment, a composite structure arranged with a rotatable top, comprises a rotatable top located at the distal end of the composite structure and coupled to a body; the body having one or more sections with a first load bearing section supporting the rotatable top; and a rotatable base coupled to the one or more sections and located at the proximal end of the composite structure thereby forming a flexible architecture; wherein said architecture provides a plurality of degrees of displacement and angles of freedom and the ability to be adjusted in one or more positions along one or more independent axes.

Another embodiment provides an apparatus, which includes a composite structure having a rotatable top at the distal end of the composite structure. The apparatus comprises means for attaching a body having one or more sections with a first load bearing section supporting the rotatable top; means for attaching a rotatable base to the one or more sections and located at the proximal end of the composite structure thereby forming a flexible architecture.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed embodiments. Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be reduced or expanded to help in understanding the embodiments. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. Although various embodiments, which incorporate the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will be primarily described within the context of particular embodiments; however, those skilled in the art and informed by the teachings herein will realize that the invention is also applicable to other technical areas and/or embodiments.

The illustrative embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be arranged and combined in a variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein. In one embodiment, the composite structure is a robotic arm. In other embodiments, the composite structure is a laptop stand. In yet other embodiments, the composite structure is a musical instrument stand. For example, the musical instrument can be a keyboard, piano and the like. In further embodiments, the composite structure is a DJ mixer holder. To illustrate its versatility, the composite structure can be installed on the wall for usage. The composite structure can be configured for a myriad of usage. For example, the composite structure can be used as projector stand, a tablet holder, a book holder, a lamp holder, a phone holder and the like.

Generally speaking, the various embodiments enable, support and/or provide a new paradigm in robotic arm technology. These embodiments disclose a robotic arm, which operates in the space of six (6) axes and more angles of freedom, thereby providing the robotic arm more agility to perform a vast number of functions and requires less operational space, which is a billion dollar solution when it comes to the industrial and manufacturing facilities. For example, the disclosed robotic arm rotates within two (2) 360°-degree angle of freedom, two (2) 180°-degree angles of freedom, two (2) linear moment axes. To further illustrate the operational flexibility of the disclosed robotic arm, consider the following: if a robotic arm is programmed to pick and place an object, the robotic arm will pick the object, which is located in front of it and has to turn 180° degrees horizontally and place the object. In this method of operation, the robotic arm needs 180° degrees around it either left half 180° degrees or right half 180° degrees to be empty and free so that it can rotate 160° degrees horizontally or axially. This method of operation consumes space and takes more time to perform the work. In comparison, the compatible robotic arm will be more agile and can access more critical places to pick and place objects, because it has six (6) axes and more angles of freedom to bend, rotate and revolve around different portions or segments of the robotic arm. A regular robotic arm can rotate horizontally 360° degrees and can make a 90°-degree angular motion (between “x” and “z” axes), this means that the robotic arm cannot pick and place an object from front to back of itself without making a 180° degree horizontal rotation. But, the compatible robotic arm need not have to make a 180°-degree horizontal rotation around the z axis to pick and place an object from front to back, instead the compatible robotic arm makes a required angular motion through the z axis by avoiding consumption of space around it.

Another feature of the compatible robotic arm is its agility to make a linear moment. on “x” (axial) and “z” axis unlike the regular robotic arms. Regular robotic arms have a fixed axis along “z”, and “x” or “y” (longitudinal) axes, but the compatible robotic arm has “x” axis that can make a linear moment along “z” axis. And, “x” axis can long make a linear moment along its own axis. This makes the robotic arm more agile and flexible.

When this compatible robotic arm is mounted on a chassis, which can move from one place to another, it becomes an efficient tool for the armed forces to defend soldiers from enemy fire. Also, the compatible robotic arm is very light in weight and can be easily carried from one place to another and can be mounted on a prescribed or preferred location very quickly.

When this compatible robotic arm is equipped with a night vision camera and other tools, it can help to neutralize the intruders sneaking into a country's borders.

This compatible robotic arm can also be utilized in space science where this compatible robotic arm can be used as legs for locomotion on an uneven terrain. This compatible robotic arm when placed in a certain way in a particular structure in all four corners can be used as legs to locomote and can also help the space rover to go into places where a regular space rover can't go. For example, if a space rower is climbing a hill and at one point loses its balance and capsizes thereby jeopardizing the mission, it is impractical to send a manned mission to the same alien planet to put the space rover back onto its wheels again. But, a space rover equipped with compatible robotic arms on all four of its sizes can actually prevent the space rover from capsize during travel on uneven terrain. At times when the compatible robotic arm isn't able to prevent the rover from capsizing, it can turn the space rover into a sphere enabling the space rover to roll down the hill and, when the rover reaches a complete stop, the compatible robotic arm located at all four sides of the space rover would deploy and help the space rover make another attempt at climbing the hill. This mechanism in fact will be helpful in enabling the rover to make multiple attempts to reach a particular place of high priority on a different alien planet without the fear of the rover being capsized.

In another embodiment, the compatible robotic arm can be used in automatic, manufacturing and assembly facilities. Due to its compatibility, agility and more number of axes of operation and degrees of freedom, the robotic hand consumes or requires less space for its operation when compared to a regular robotic hand. These features in fact helps industries consume less space for its operations and plant capacity can be increased. The disclosed robotic arm can operate manually as well as autonomously.

FIGS. 1-17illustrate a composite structure100-200according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1depicts isometric and Front views of an exemplary composite structure according to an embodiment.FIG. 2depicts Right and Rear views of an exemplary composite structure according to an embodiment. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the composite structure preferably comprises four (4) major segments namely, (1) cylinder base117and its associated parts, (2) first slider114and its associated parts; (3) second slider110and. its associated parts; and (4) rotatable top105and its associated parts.

FIG. 3depicts Isometric, Right, Front, Bottom and Top views of an exemplary rotatable top according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

Rotatable top105constitutes a fourth segment that is formed of four (4) distinct parts namely, top base105, right side flap106, left side flap108, flap/stopper107for rotatable top100. Moreover, right side flap106and left side flap108are interchangeable.

The first part of top105namely, the base is shown in its different views such as front view305, bottom view310, top view315and right side view320. In one embodiment, the four (4) distinct parts comprise a first element, a second element and a third element. The three (3) elements preferably implement the rotatable top of(composite structure100and are coupled together so form a finished assembly or segment as described above. This finished assembly can be made into any suitable shape or desirable configuration and can manufactured from any suitable material.

FIG. 4depicts: (1) Isometric, Top, Rear and Left views of an exemplary side flap and (2) Isometric, Top, Rear, Bottom and Left views of an exemplary knob of bucket121according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1. In one embodiment, knob111is mated with part121shown inFIG. 13. Knob111along with part121are used to as a mechanism to facilitate the functionality of slider110.

The second part namely, side flaps106of rotatable top base105is shown in its different views such as isometric view405, top view410, left side view415. The right side view is identical to the left. The bottom view is identical to the top and the front view is identical to the rear. In some embodiment106and108are two (2) distinct parts with different dimensions and shapes. Also shown inFIG. 4is knob111in its different views such as left side view420, top view425, rear view430and bottom view435. The right side view is identical to the left.

FIG. 16depicts Isometric, Rear, Front, Bottom, Left and Top views of an exemplary flap/stopper mechanism according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

The fourth part namely, flap/stopper107of rotatable top base105is shown in its different views such as isometric view107, top view1605, bottom view1610, rear view1615, left side view1620and front view1625. The right side view is identical to the left.

FIG. 10depicts Isometric, Front, Bottom, Top, Right and. Left views of an exemplary worm gear according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1;

Worm gear120is shown in its different views such as isometric views1010(120),1015(116) front view1005(120), top view1025(116), bottom view1030(120), left side view116. The left side view is identical to the right. The top view is identical to the bottom and the rear view is identical to the front.

FIG. 9depicts: (1) Isometric, Left, Rear, Top and Bottom views of an exemplary knob and (2) Isometric, Right, Front and Bottom views of an exemplary mount of the rotatable top according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

The fifth part namely, mount205of rotatable top base105is shown in its different views such as isometric view205, bottom view935, right side view940and front view905. The left side view is identical to the right. The rear view is identical to the front.

Second slider110constitutes a third segment that. is made up of ten (parts) distinct parts namely, front angular motion mechanism109, shaft110, knob111, slider112, worm gear120, bucket lappy stand121, angular motion mechanism or rear robotic hand122, bolt holder206, bolt holder207and spur gear208.

In one embodiment, the nine (9) distinct parts comprise a first element, a second element, a third element, a fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh element. The seven (7) elements preferably implement the second slider of composite structure100and are coupled together to form a finished assembly or segment as described above. This finished assembly can be made into any suitable shape or desirable configuration and can be manufactured from any suitable material.

FIG. 5depicts Isometric, Rear, Front, Bottom, Right and Left views of a first exemplary front robotic arm mechanism according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1

The first part of second slider110namely, angular motion mechanism109is shown in its different views such as isometric view109, bottom view515, right side view505, left side view510, rear view520and front view525. The top view is identical to the bottom.

FIG. 6depicts: (1) Bottom, and Front views of an exemplary slider shaft and (2) Isometric, Top, Rear, Bottom, Right and Front views of an exemplary first table mount leg of the cylinder base according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

The second part of second slider110namely, shaft110is shown in its different views such as front view110and bottom view610. The top view is identical to the bottom. The rear view is identical to the front, similarly the right side and left side views are identical to each other. In some embodiments, these shapes are non-symmetrical.

The third part of second slider110namely, knob111is described above in reference toFIG. 4. Knob111is shown in its different views such as isometric view111, left view420, top view425, rear view430, bottom view435. The right side view is identical to the left in the front view is identical to the rear view.

FIG. 7depicts: (1) Isometric, Right, Front, Rear and Bottom views of an exemplary slider and (2) Isometric, Bottom and Front views of an exemplary spur gear of bucket121according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

The fourth part of second slider110namely, slider112is shown in its different views such as isometric view112, right side view705, bottom view710, front view715, bottom view710and rear view725.

The fifth part of second slider110namely, worm gear120is described in reference toFIG. 10above.

FIG. 13depicts Isometric, Rear, Front, Bottom, Top, Right and Left views of an exemplary bucket sappy stand upgrade mechanism according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

The sixth part of second slider110namely, bucket lappy stand121is shown in its different views such as isometric view121, front view1305, rear view1310, bottom view1315, left side view1320, and top view1325. The right side view is identical to the left.

FIG. 14depicts Isometric, Rear, Bottom, Right and Top views of a second exemplary angular motion mechanism. according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

The seventh part of second slider110namely, angular motion mechanism or robotic hand122is shown in its different views such as isometric view122, rear view1405, top view1410, bottom view1415and right side view1420. The left side view is identical to the right and the front view is identical to the rear.

The eight part of second slider110namely, bolt holder207is discussed in reference toFIG. 17below and the ninth part namely, spurt gear208is discussed in reference toFIG. 7.

The tenth part of second slider110namely, bolt holder206is discussed in reference toFIG. 17below.

First slider114constitutes the second segment that is made up of three (3) distinct parts namely, rotating arm113, shaft114and rotating arm base combiner123.

FIG. 8depicts Isometric, Rear, Front, Bottom, Top, Right and Left views of an exemplary rotating arm base mechanism according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1;

The first part of first slider114namely, rotating arm base113is shown in its different views such as isometric view825, front view810, rear view113, top view815, bottom view820, right side view805and isometric view825. The left side view is identical to the right.

The second part of first slider114namely, shaft114is discussed above in reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 17depicts Isometric, Left, Front, Rear, Top and Bottom views of an exemplary bolt holder according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

Bolt holder206and its analog207are shown in its different views such as isometric views1720(207) and1735(206), top views1710(206) and207, right views1705(206) and1730(207), and bottom view1715(207. The left views are identical to counterpart right view and so on.

The third part namely, rotating arm base123is discussed in reference toFIG. 15below.

Cylinder base117constitutes the first segment that is made up of four (4) distinct parts namely, knob115, worm gear116, cylinder base117, table mounts118and119.

In one embodiment, the five (5) distinct parts comprise a first element and a second element. The two (2) elements preferably implement rotatable base117of composite structure100and are coupled together to form a finished assembly or segment as described above. This finished assembly can be made into any suitable shape or desirable configuration and can be manufactured from any suitable material.

The first part of cylinder base117namely, knob115is described above in reference toFIG. 9.

The second part of cylinder base117namely, worm gear116is described above in reference toFIG. 10.

FIG. 11depicts Isometric, Rear, Front, Bottom, Top and Left views of an exemplary cylinder base according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

The third part of cylinder base117namely, cylinder base117is shown in its different views such as isometric view117, left view1105, bottom view1110, top view1115, rear view1120and front view1125. The right view is identical to the lea.

The fourth part of cylinder base117namely, table mount leg_1118and table mount leg_2119are shown inFIG. 6andFIG. 12as discussed above. The two parts are identical. The views shown are isometric view118, rear view615, front view620, top, view625, bottom view630and right view635. In some embodiment, the two parts differ. For example, one part may be adjustable while the other is fixed. As the name implies, the table mount is used to mount composite structure100.

FIG. 15depicts Isometric, Rear, Front, Bottom, Right and Left views of an exemplary rotating arm base mechanism according to an embodiment of the composite structure ofFIG. 1.

Rotating arm base123is shown in its different views such. as front view123, top view1505, bottom view1510, isometric view1515and left view1520. The rear view is identical to the front and the right view is identical to the left view.

As described above, composite structure100preferably comprises has a cylinder base117, first slider114, second. slider110and rotatable top105. Both sliders also serve as load bearing sections. Moreover, the segments of composite structure are arranged or coupled. in a manner that induces an interdependency relationship. Stated differently, the segments are both dependent and independent of each other. For example, cylinder base117is independent, which means its position is affected by other segments position or orientation.

Cylinder base117remains stationary all the time. However, if cylinder base117moves, first slider114moves along, the axis of cylinder base117; second slider110also moves along the axis of cylinder base117; and rotatable top105also moves along the same axis. In one embodiment, cylinder base117has a cap on each side (not shown) to facilitate insertion of slider114into cylinder base117.

First slider114is independent, but not stationary unlike cylinder base117. However, if the position or orientation of first slider114is changed, then second slider110and rotatable top105will also move with first slider114, because second slider110and rotatable top105are physically connected with first slider114. Additionally, the position of second slider110and rotatable top105will remain constant and will not change until the user decides to make changes to the positions of the segments.

Second slider110causes rotatable top105to be dependent upon it. If the position of second slider110is changed, then rotatable top105will also be affected.

Rotatable top105is dependent upon the other three (3) segments. If rotatable top105alone moves none of the other segments are affected.

Composite structure100is architected to encompass a total of six (6) axes including angular motion and linear displacement. Cylinder base117is located at the proximal end of composite structure100and therefore, the first axis or axis-1 is referenced at a point, which lies on the cylinder base. This axis provides an angular moment of 180° degrees of freedom translating into 90° degree to the front and 90° degree back. And, the desired position can be maintained using the mechanism of worm gear116and spur gear123given that worm gear and spur gear can be used as locking mechanism. In one embodiment, worm gear116has a knob115. In one embodiment, whenever the user wants to hold to a certain position at a specific angle, the user should gently push the knob up and turn it clockwise to tighten the knob. Secondly, if the user decides to change the angle, then the user should unscrewed a knob from the locking position thereby releasing the knob down to change the position as desired. In order embodiment, this process is automated.

First slider114is coupled to cylinder base117. Accordingly, first slider114constitutes the second axis or axis-2. This axis is used to cause a vertical linear moment or longitudinally (up and down) to make comfortable adjustment according to the user's the height or sitting posture. This axis serves as a quick adjustment because it allows sliding movement vertically up and down thereby providing a quick adjustment in terms of height. To adjust this axis, a user should lift rotatable top105slightly and allow rotatable top105to come to an equilibrium point. Secondly, if the user wants to slide rotatable top105vertically the user should hold said top and gently pull up and allow rotatable top105to come to an equilibrium point.

A third axis is associated with first slider110. This axis is used to rotate first slider114. This axis has 360° degrees angle of freedom. First slider114being the second major segment can remain constant through the use of worm gear120and spur gear208combination. As explained above, worm gear is coupled to the knob, which is used to lock onto the spur gear whenever the position of slider114has to remain constant. If the user wants to hold the position at a specific angle, the user should. gently push the knob of in turn it clockwise to tighten the knob. Secondly, if the user decides to change the angle then the user should unscrewed in the knob from the locking position to thereby release it down to change the position as desired. In an embodiment, this process is automated. In other embodiments, the third axis is implemented using second slider110. Yet, in some embodiments the third axis implemented using a combination of first slider114and second slider110.

Second slider110is coupled to first slider114. Accordingly, second slider110constitutes the fourth axis or axis-4. This axis is used to implement a linear horizontal or axial moment using second slider110to adjust the distance of rotatable top105from the user. In order to perform such adjustment, a user should lift rotatable top105and push said top gently away and allow said top to come to an equilibrium position. And, second slider110will remain at the position where the user stopped sliding said slider. Secondly, if the user wants to slide rotatable top105away from him or her then the user should lift rotatable top105of in pools said top towards the user and allow said top come to an equilibrium position. And, second slider110will remain at the position where the user stopped sliding said slider. In some embodiments, this process is automated.

Rotatable top105is coupled to second slider110. As such, rotatable top105constitutes the fifth axis or axis-5. This axis is used to position rotatable top105at the desired position. The angle of freedom for this axis is 180° degrees translating into a 90° degree angular motion and 90° degree axial displacement. The position of rotatable top105can be made consistent using a knob that lacks the axis to at least six (6) desired locations. In some embodiments, this process is automated.

The sixth axis or axis-6 is used to rotate rotatable top105around the axis such that rotatable top105would simply swirl around in a spiraling pattern. The angle of freedom for this axis is 360° degrees.

Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore, intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon.