Abstract:
A hobby robot having a support structure includes a cavity defined within the support structure, wherein the cavity includes means positioned within the cavity for removably coupling at least one mounting element to an interior portion of the cavity. The support structure also includes means for securing an encasement shell to the support structure. The mounting element may be a tray or hardware that performs a desired function in connection with the operation of the robot. The support structure is adapted to receive a self-contained power source and means for imparting motive force to the support structure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/494,533 filed Aug. 12, 2003, entitled “Robotic Platform” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/520,548, filed Nov. 14, 2003, entitled “Robotic Platform With Removable Drive And Accessory Cage” the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention is directed to a hobby robot and, more specifically, to a support structure for use with the hobby robot. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Building a robot from scratch is an excellent way to learn a lot about robotics, but is not the only way to get started. A robot kit that includes a pre-fabricated platform or support structure, motor, wheels, etc. can assist a builder through the initial learning curve and save a builder time, frustration and money, so that the builder can more quickly enter the programming or customizing aspects of robotics. 
   Currently, manufactured robotic platforms are extremely crude, garage-built, proprietary units, as currently no build standards exist in the field of robotic platforms. In terms of existing commercial robotic platforms, a fixed-shelf approach is utilized for mounting hardware and related peripherals to the robot. Although the fixed-shelf approach is appropriate for containing the hardware and related peripherals on the actual robot during actual use of the robot, the fixed-shelf approach is not conducive to continued upgrades or modifications that a builder may perform on the robot. Namely, replacing or modifying a specific piece of hardware may require the temporary removal of other hardware in order to provide manageable access to that specific piece of hardware. In the robotics field, especially during the initial build and testing process, hardware and peripherals may need to be constantly replaced or modified until an intended function of the robot operates satisfactorily. With each such replacement or modification attempt, it is usually the case that the temporarily removed hardware is thereafter reattached and/or reconnected so that the robot can be tested to determine the degree of success of the replacement or modification attempt. The aforementioned process may occur repeatedly during the course of an initial build or at a later time when only modifications are made to an existing hardware and peripheral configuration of the robot. The removal of hardware only for the purposes of accessing other hardware adds unproductive time to the build or modification process. This may result in added frustration on the part of the builder, as he or she may already be frustrated due to the fact that a certain intended aspect of building or modification is not proceeding or performing as intended. 
   It is, therefore, desirable to overcome the above problems and others by providing a robotic platform or support structure that allows a builder to efficiently build and modify a robot. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, I have invented a hobby robot having an encasement shell surrounding a support structure. The structure includes a cavity defined within the support structure, wherein the cavity includes fasteners or functional equivalents positioned within the cavity for removably coupling at least one mounting element to an interior portion of the cavity. The support structure also includes fasteners for securing an encasement shell to the support structure. The mounting element may be a tray or hardware that performs a desired function in connection with the operation of the robot. The support structure is adapted to receive a self-contained power source and wheels or treads for imparting motive force to the support structure. 
   The support structure is modeled after current industry standard personal computing cases. Utilizing a familiar existing standard allows various standard-sized hardware and peripherals to be quickly and easily associated with and secured to the support structure. The flexibility of building and modifying hardware that is inherent in standard personal computing cases is now available to hobbyists and researchers to easily mount and remove almost any hardware and peripheral to the support structure in a similar manner. Specifically, the support structure allows for removable, adaptable, and relocatable mounting elements, such as trays or shelves, to be installed on the support structure. 
   In conjunction with encasement shells, the robot appears as a highly finished, professionally engineered, and an aesthetically appealing robotic platform, as opposed to a make-shift home made platform of significantly lesser engineering quality and cosmetic appeal. Furthermore, the present invention solves the problem of hobbyists, researchers, etc., having to build their own robotic platform. The inventive robotic platform also avoids the need for the builder to secure outside assistance from, for example, engineers and metal fabricators, and the costs associated therewith. The inventive robotic platform is a simple out-of-the-box solution that provides an inexpensive and accurate alternative to building a home made robotic platform. 
   Still other desirable features of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description, taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a robot having an encasement shell with mounting elements protruding therefrom, in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective exploded view showing a support structure within the encasement shell supporting the mounting elements shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the robot of  FIG. 1  showing the mounting elements partially in phantom in relation to the support structure; 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of a first alternative embodiment robot having circuit boards shown in phantom attached to the support structure; 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the first alternative embodiment robot of  FIG. 4 , showing the support structure within the encasement shell supporting the circuit boards; and 
       FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a second alternative embodiment robot having the mounting elements of  FIG. 1  oriented vertically. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial or directional terms shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific apparatus illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, is simply an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
     FIGS. 1-3  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 1  depicts an exterior of a robot  10 , such as a hobby robot, having an encasement shell  12 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the encasement shell  12  encloses a support structure  14 , which in turn supports various mounting elements  16   a - c .  FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary embodiment of imparting motive force to the support structure  14 , namely, a drive wheel  18  in communication with a motor  20 . Additionally, support wheels  22  may be integrated into the support structure  14  to provide balancing functions. The robot  10  in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  is shown from a front perspective view, although it should be understood that the hidden rear view may be similar to the front view, depending on the configuration of the robot  10 . Therefore, the designations “front” and “rear” for the robot  10 , are used only in relation to how the robot  10  appears oriented in the drawings. It is to be understood that in operation, the robot  10  the front and rear of the robot may be reversed depending on the movement of the robot in relation to the builder or user. 
   With specific reference to  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , the encasement shell  12  may serve as a protective encasement for the robot  10 . Thus, any sensitive hardware or peripherals within the robot  10  are protected from unauthorized access and environmental elements or contamination. Additionally, the encasement shell  12  provides an aesthetic appeal to outside observers, as the hardware or peripherals and associated wiring and electrical components are concealed behind the encasement shell  12 . Desirably, the encasement shell  12  is formed from plastic or fiberglass. However, it is to be understood that any suitable material may be utilized. The encasement shell  12  may be customized to allow for additional functionality of the robot  10 . For example, a portion of the encasement shell  12  may be constructed of a non-opaque substance, such as clear glass, to allow a camera  24  to view the operating environment of the robot  10  while protected within the encasement shell  12 . Furthermore, the encasement shell  12  may be configured to allow sensors and other hardware to be mounted thereon. Other hardware may include, but is not limited to light(s), vent(s), LCD panel(s), audio speaker(s), microphone(s), etc. Additionally, the encasement shell  12  may include cut-outs or punch-outs that may be optionally utilized to house and access components during the building of the robot  10 . Alternatively, the encasement shell  12  may be fully enclosed, thereby requiring the builder to remove the encasement shell from the support structure  14  to access the internal components of the robot  10 . Desirably, the encasement shell  12  is constructed of two or more panels that may be separated from either one another to form the support structure  12 , thereby allowing access to the hardware and peripherals inside the robot  10 . It is to be understood that the encasement shell  12  may alternatively be of a unitary design. It is envisioned that such a unitary design would provide a hinge mechanism for allowing access to the support structure  12 . The encasement shell  12  may be secured to the support structure in various ways including, but not limited to a snap fit, friction fit, screwing, bolting, fastening, etc. For example, a plurality of hooks  25  arranged on the support structure  14  may engage interior portions of the encasement shell  12 . Desirably, the encasement shell  12  is constructed to provide a compatible fit with the support structure  14  and any other components of the robot  10 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the encasement shell  12  is molded to provide a sufficient opening for free movement of the support wheels  22 . Furthermore, although not explicitly shown in the figures, a bottom portion of the encasement shell  12  is adapted to allow the drive wheel  18  to extend therethrough. Sufficient ground clearance is provided by the encasement shell  12  to allow uninhibited moment of the assembled robot  10 . 
   The support structure  14  is adapted to receive various mounting elements  16   a - c  and other hardware or peripherals that may be associated with the operation of the robot  10 . Desirably, the support structure  14  is modeled after current industry standard personal computing cases, as such cases include configurations conducive to receiving hardware and peripherals utilized in robot construction. For example, current personal computing cases are basically a framed metallic structure that includes predrilled screw holes, and vertical and horizontal cross-members for supporting computer related components. However, although existing personal computing cases may be used, it is to be understood that support structure  14  may be fabricated and implemented to provide a desired degree of configurability in the design of the robot  10 . Desirably, the support structure  14  is formed from sheet aluminum and stamped steel, however, it is to be understood that any suitable material may be utilized. It is also desirable that the support structure  14  be sufficiently rigid to support the intended hardware and peripherals, yet not be too heavy to negatively impact the overall weight considerations in the design of the robot. The support structure  14  may be manufactured using the same processes that are utilized in the manufacture of personal computing cases. Desirably, the support structure  14  is constructed of various substantially horizontal and vertical members, such as members  26   a ,  26   b  and  27   a ,  27   b , respectively, joined in a frame-like configuration. It is to be understood that the frame or frame-like configuration of the support structure  14  depicted in the figures is only an exemplary embodiment and may be substituted with other frame configurations depending on the needs of the builder and/or the specific application of the robot  10 . 
   Desirably, builders in the field of robotics may utilize current off-the-shelf computer hardware and peripherals in the design of robots. Such hardware and peripherals include, but are not limited to mother/daughter boards (with associated computer components such as memory, processors, riser cards, etc.), data storage (hard disk drives, optical drives, media reader, non-volatile/volatile memory, etc), and miscellaneous optional components intended for increasing the functionality or aesthetic nature (slide rails, speaker system, I/O interface, rack mounts, riser cards, face plates, etc.) 
   The support structure  14  may be configured to receive one or more of the aforementioned hardware or peripherals. Specifically, the support structure  14  includes various cavities or bays, such as bays  28   a  and  28   b , for supporting various mounting elements. Desirably, each cavity or bay is substantially rectilinear in shape, however it is to be understood that each cavity or bay may be shaped to suitably accommodate the corresponding shape of the mounting elements to be supported therein. The bays  28   a  and  28   b  are bounded by various horizontal and vertical members of the support structure  14 . For example, bay  28   a  is bounded by the horizontal members  26   a ,  26   b , and the vertical members  27   a  and  27   b . Desirably, the bays  28   a  and  28   b  are sized to accommodate various off-the-shelf computer hardware and software. For example, bay  28   a  may have an industry-standard width of 5¼″ to accommodate an optical drive, whereas bay  28   b  may be have an industry-standard width of 3½″ to accommodate a floppy disk or a hard drive. With specific reference to  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , the builder may utilize a tray, an optical drive, and a face plate, depicted as mounting elements  16   a ,  16   b , and  16   c , respectively, to be received within the bay  28   a . It is to be understood that the arrangement of the mounting elements  16   a - c  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  is for exemplary purposes only. Thus, the arrangement of the mounting elements  16   a - c  is dictated by the builder and/or needs of the robot  10 . It is also to be understood that for the purpose of clarity, the necessary cables and specific electrical connections to and from the hardware and peripherals are not depicted in the figures. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the mounting elements  16   a - c  may be removably attached to the support structure  14 . Specifically, lateral ends of each of the mounting elements  16   a - c  are attached to the substantially parallel vertical members  27   a ,  27   b  so that the mounting elements  16   a - c  span the width of the bay  28   a . The tray  16   a  and the optical drive  16   b  may be attached directly to the vertical members  27   a ,  27   b  via screws or other suitable fasteners threaded into pre-drilled holes  30 . The tray  16   a  may be adapted to receive a circuit board, such as a daughterboard  32 , or other component to which constant modifications may be made during the course of building and testing the robot  10 . Alternatively, the daughterboard  32  may be directly secured within the bay  28   a  if the daughterboard  32  is configured as a rack mount. Desirably, the face plate  16   c  is utilized to cover an area of the bay  28   a  which is not utilized by any component, and therefore provide a cosmetic covering for the empty area. Specifically, the face place  16   c  may be attached to the vertical members  27   a ,  27   b  by a snap-fit, friction fit, or other attachment mechanism. In this particular embodiment, the builder has already selected a suitable removable media storage device (i.e., CD-ROM), and therefore, a floppy disk may not be necessary. Hence, a hard drive (not shown) may be installed in the bay  28   b . The present invention may include slide rail attachments having corresponding connectors  29   a ,  29   b  attached to the bay  28   a  and one or more of the mounting elements  16   a - c,  respectively. The slide rail attachments allow the mounting elements  16   a - c  to easily slide in and out of the bay  28   a . The installation and operation of slide rail attachments and functional equivalents are known in the art and will not be specifically discussed herein. Even though the robot  10  has the encasement shell  12  installed, the mounting elements  16   a - c  may be partially removed to protrude beyond the encasement shell  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1  or may be completely removed. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the support structure  14  may support mounting elements in addition to mounting elements  16   a - c . For example, mounting elements  16   d - f  may be mounted in the rear of the robot  10 . Due to the highly configurable aspect of the support structure  14 , the mounting elements  16   a - f  may be positioned in any suitable arrangement. For example, the mounting element  16   f  may be interchanged with the face plate  16   c.    
   With reference to  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5 , and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , a first alternative embodiment robot  34  is shown. The first alternative embodiment robot  34  is of similar construction as robot  10  except for the configuration of a support structure  36 . Namely, the support structure  36  is constructed of cut-out portions  38  for supporting circuit boards, such as motherboards  40 , therein. Thus, the motherboards  40  can easily be accessed, removed, and replaced, simply by sliding them in and out of the cut-out portions  38  of the support structure. The cut-out portions  38  may also include cable management holes  42  for routing cables and wiring therethrough. It is to be understood that the cut-out portions  38  may also be integrated into robot  10  to provide even greater configurability and building efficiency in the robot  10 . Furthermore, slide rail attachments having corresponding connectors  29   a ,  29   b  may also be utilized in connection with the first alternative embodiment robot  34 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 6 , and with continuing reference to  FIG. 4 , a second alternative embodiment robot  44  is shown. The second alternative embodiment robot  44  is of similar construction as the robot  10  except for the arrangement of the mounting elements  16   a - c.  Specifically, the mounting elements  16   a - c  are mounted in a vertical orientation, as opposed to a horizontal orientation. Thus, the mounting elements  16   a - c  may be attached to the substantially parallel horizontal members  26   a ,  26   b  so that the mounting elements  16   a - c  span the height of the bay  28   a . It is to be understood that the cut-out portions  38  shown in  FIGS. 4 &amp; 5  may also be integrated into robot  44  to provide even greater configurability and building efficiency in the robot  44 . Furthermore, slide rail attachments having corresponding connectors  29   a ,  29   b  may also be utilized in connection with the second alternative embodiment robot  44 . 
   It is intended that the robot  10 , the first alternative embodiment robot  34 , and the second alternative embodiment robot  44  each have a mechanism for imparting motive force to the support structure  14 . With specific reference to the robot  10  in  FIG. 3 , the support structure is configured to support the drive wheel  18  and the support wheels  22 . In this exemplary embodiment, the support wheels  22  provide stability and balance to the robot  10 . The drive wheel  18  may be either directly or indirectly powered by the motor  20 . For example,  FIG. 3  depicts a drive belt  46  that transfers energy from the motor  20  to the drive wheel  18 . This embodiment provides an accurate differential drive system with optical wheel encoders and motor driver circuitry. It is to be understood that the support structure  14  may be configured to support any suitable mechanism for imparting motive force. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the robot  10  may include, in addition or substitution to the wheels, treads that would allow the robot  10  to navigate terrain that may ordinarily be accessible to wheeled-only robots. The support structure  14  may be configured to receive a battery  48  for providing power to various components of the robot  10 , including but not limited to the motor, the mounting elements, and the hardware and peripherals. 
   The present invention allows a builder to replace or modify a specific piece of hardware without requiring the builder to temporarily remove obstructive hardware that prevents effective access to the specific hardware that needs to be replaced or modified. For example, if the builder wishes to replace the optical drive  16   b  with a different component, the builder simply slides out the optical drive  16   b  from the bay  28   a  without having to remove any adjacent hardware. In this case, no adjacent hardware is required to be removed because no adjacent hardware is obstructing the removal of the optical drive  16   b . In another example, if the builder wishes to access the daughterboard  32  and make changes thereto, the builder simply slides out the tray  16   a  without having to disturb other hardware. It is to be understood that if the encasement shell  12  does not include an opening from which the mounting elements  16   a - c  may be removed, that the mounting elements  16   a - c  may still be removed from the bay  28   a  after the encasement shell is removed from the robot  10 . This embodiment may be desirable if a builder wants to prevent unauthorized access to and/or removal of the mounting elements  16   a - c , which would otherwise be accessible through the opening of the encasement shell  12 . In addition to providing efficient access to various hardware and peripherals, the support structure is conducive to cable management. Uncluttered cable arrangements not only allow the builder more room in which to work, but also aid in the efficient air flow critical to proper functioning of electrical components. 
   The invention has been described with reference to the desirable embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.