BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The application generally relates to a robotic animal puzzle. The application relates more specifically to a robotic animal puzzle with articulated appendages with controllable movements.

[0002] Robotic puzzles are used for entertainment and educational purposes, to teach mechanical skills and anatomy, and for enjoyment. The process of assembling modular components into a replica of an animal provides entertainment and is instructive in the assembly and interconnection of interactive parts. In addition, with the inclusion of microprocessor controls, the robotic puzzle may be assembled to be interactive and mobile, to simulate actual animal movements.

[0003] What is disclosed is a system and/or method that provides an animal shaped robot arranged in puzzle form that satisfies one or more of these needs or provides other advantageous features. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present specification. The teachings disclosed extend to those embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the aforementioned needs for interlocking mechanisms and flexible linkages for a robotic animal puzzle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One embodiment is directed to a robotic animal device. The robotic animal device includes a head portion a torso portion, multiple leg portions, and a tail portion. The head portion includes a neck group operably coupled with the torso portion through a tilt group and a pan group. The tilt group includes a middle piece, a mouth piece, an eye piece, a chin piece, an ultrasound sensor, an ear piece, and a first servo motor operable to tilt the head portion. The pan group includes opposing neck pieces, a small servo arm, a base piece, a pair of small lock portions, and a long servo arm; and a second servo motor connected between the torso group and the neck group at a shoulder portion of the torso portion. The torso portion includes a top piece and a bottom piece, at least one feature for tuning a center of mass of the robotic animal, an optional controller mounted on the top piece to coordinate the sensors and actuators of the animal device, a battery holder configured to receive one or more batteries. The battery holder is movably attached to the bottom piece by adjustment of the position with respect to the plurality of features, for tuning the center of mass of the robotic animal device. The multiple leg portions are movably attached to the torso portion to support and to control movement of the animal device.

[0005] An advantage of the invention is an easy to assemble robotic animal puzzle for entertainment and amusement.

[0006] Another advantage is the ability to tune the center of mass for balancing the movement of the robotic animal device.

[0007] Still another advantage is a thigh design having shock absorption springs to reduce wear.

[0008] Yet another advantage is a plurality of sensors installed on the movable head to simulate eyes, scan surroundings for perception and communicate signals to a controller.

[0009] A further advantage is a tail to help posturing and balancing.

[0010] Further advantages are described below and will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembled robotic animal puzzle of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 1 A shows a top plan view of the assembled robotic animal puzzle of FIG. 1 [0013] FIG. 1B shows a rear perspective view of the assembled robotic animal puzzle of FIG. 1 [0014] FIG. 1C shows a front perspective view of the assembled robotic animal puzzle of FIG. 1 [0015] FIG. 1D shows a rear elevational view of the assembled robotic animal puzzle of FIG. 1 [0016] FIG. 1E shows a bottom plan view of the assembled robotic animal puzzle of FIG. 1 [0017] FIG. 1F shows a front elevational view of the assembled robotic animal puzzle of FIG. 1 [0018] FIG. 2 shows the parts of the torso frame of the robot of FIG. 1. [0019] FIG. 2A shows a comer shoulder piece.

[0020] FIG. 2B shows a servo.

[0021] FIG. 2C shows a shoulder piece.

[0022] FIG. 2D shows a bottom piece.

[0023] FIG. 2E shows a spine piece.

[0024] FIG. 2F shows a torso connecting piece.

[0025] FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 3A-3E

[0026] 3 A-3E show the assembly order of the torso frame.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows the interlocking mechanisms in the torso frame.

[0028] FIG. 4A shows a cross sectional view of the interlocking mechanisms in the torso frame, taken along the lines A4-A4 in FIG. 4D.

[0029] FIG. 4B shows a cross sectional view of the interlocking mechanisms in the torso frame taken along the lines B4-B4 in FIG. 4D.

[0030] FIG. 4C shows a cross sectional view of the interlocking mechanisms in the torso frame taken along the lines C4-C4 in FIG. 4D.

[0031] FIG. 4D shows a plan view of the interlocking mechanism.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows the parts of the head group of the robotic animal puzzle of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 5A shows a middle piece of the head group.

[0034] FIG. 5B shows an eye piece.

[0035] FIG. 5C shows an ultrasound piece.

[0036] FIG. 5D shows a mouth piece. [0037] FIG. 5E shows an ear piece.

[0038] FIG. 5F shows a chin piece.

[0039] FIG. 5G shows a servo.

[0040] FIG. 5H shows a base piece.

[0041] FIG. 51 shows a neck piece.

[0042] FIG. 5J shows a lock piece associated with the base piece.

[0043] FIG. 5K shows a servo arm piece.

[0044] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D shows the interlocking mechanisms and the assembling order of the head group.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows the flexible linkage in the neck joint of the robot of FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 7 A shows the panning servo for the flexible linkage in the neck joint.

[0047] FIG. 7B shows the perspective view of the panning servo.

[0048] FIG. 7C shows another perspective view of the panning servo partially assembled.

[0049] FIG. 7D shows the screw connection of the spring.

[0050] FIG. 7E shows a side view of the panning servo spring without a load.

[0051] FIG. 7F shows the detail view of FIG. 7E.

[0052] FIG. 7G shows the a side view of the panning servo spring compressed under a load.

[0053] FIG. 7H shows the detail view of FIG. 7G.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the torso and the battery pack assembly showing the sequential screw holes for tuning the center of mass. [0055] FIG. 8A shows a cross sectional view of the torso showing the screw attachment between the battery pack and the torso.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows the pull and drag mechanism for conveniently tuning the center of mass of the robot.

[0057] FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of the pull and drag mechanism of FIG. 9

[0058] FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view taken along the lines A9-A9 in FIG.9A.

[0059] FIG. 9C shows a cross-sectional view taken along the lines B9-B9 in FIG.9 A.

[0060] FIG. 9D shows a cross-sectional view of the pull and drag mechanism of FIG. 9 in an adjustment position having a compressed spring.

[0061] FIG. 9E shows the locked position for screw and rivet arranged as shown in FIG. 9B. [0062] FIG. 9F shows a cross sectional view taken along lines F9-F9 in FIG. 9D.

[0063] FIG. 9G shows an alternate configuration of the pull and drag mechanism having dual slots. [0064] FIG. 9H shows a perspective view of the pull and drag mechanism having dual slots. [0065] FIG. 91 shows another view of the screw and rivet arranged as shown in FIG. 9H.

[0066] FIG. 9J shows the locked position for screw and rivet arranged as shown in FIG. 91.

[0067] FIG. 10 shows the shock reduction mechanism in the thigh of the robot of FIG. 1.

[0068] FIG. 10A shows the other face of the intersection of FIG. 10.

[0069] FIG. 10B shows the inside of the thigh top portion.

[0070] FIG. 10C shows the outside of the thigh top portion.

[0071] FIG. 10D shows a perspective view of the thigh top outside portion.

[0072] FIG. 10E shows an elevational end view of an assembled thigh portion. [0073] FIG. 10F shows an assembled side view of the thigh top inside and outside portions.

[0074] FIG. 10G shows the bottom outside thigh portion.

[0075] FIG. 10H shows the bottom inside thigh portion.

[0076] FIG. 101 shows the bottom inside thigh portion in rotational position.

[0077] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of a partially constrained tail joint and a wheel at the tail’s end.

[0078] FIG. 11 A shows an assembled tail joint.

[0079] FIG. 11B shows a tail joint in a regular position.

[0080] FIG. 11C shows a tail joint in a tilted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1 A through 1F, perspective views of the assembled robotic animal puzzle 10 are shown. The figure shows multiple projected views of a robotic animal puzzle 10 built with flat board pieces. Robotic animal puzzle 10 includes a head portion 13 including a neck group 14, a torso portion 12 including a holder 15 for an optional battery (not shown), multiple leg portions 16, and a tail portion 17. Those pieces and groups are connected using either interlocking mechanisms or flexible linkages as described in later figures.

[0082] The methods for driving the robotic animal puzzle 10 are described in US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/614,479, filed January 8, 2018, entitled "LEGGED ROBOTS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING LEGGED ROBOTS ", which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A through 2C, and FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 3A through 3E, the torso frame portion is described. Torso portion 12 is made of four sets of identical pieces, and assembled symmetrically about axis 2A-2A and 2B-2B. [0084] FIG. 3. Assembling order of the torso frame. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 A through 3E, the assembling starts from the front shoulder. Corner 2la on shoulder pieces are inserted to shoulder pieces 22 through their wider slots 22a. When the dent 2 lb on pieces 21 matches 22b on 22 (See FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), push the two pieces 21 away from each other to fix their position in pieces 22 by friction. That makes one shoulder group. The shoulder group on the other side is assembled in the same way. Pieces 23 and 24 are inserted into slot 2lc on the shoulder group. Then two servo pieces 25 are inserted into pieces 22, through the gap between pieces 21. They are further pushed into the dent 23d on 23, and dent 24e on 24. Finally two screws will fix servo 25 onto 22. The shoulder group on the other side is assembled in the same way. Finally an optional spine piece 26 is inserted into the slots 2lf on shoulder group to further stabilize the torso frame.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, interlocking mechanisms in the torso frame. The torso interlocking mechanism involves three major locks. Section view A-A shows that piece 22 constrains 21 with friction between dent 2 lb and slot 22a. However the 21 pieces can still move towards each other if without servo 25.

[0086] Section view B3-B3 shows that servo 25 stops pieces 21 from moving towards each other. Pushing the corners 25d and 25e of 25 into the slots 23d and 24e will lock the shoulder groups at an angle of 45 degrees.

[0087] Section view C3-C3 shows that once pieces 23, 24 are inserted into the shoulder groups on both ends, the distance between piece 23 and piece 24 is constrained by slots 2lc.

[0088] The above interlocks forms a quite stable trapezoid. The only part that may become loose due to wear is the 45 degree constrained by the comers 25d and 25e in slots 23d and 24e. An optional spine piece F helps to tighten the structure by fixing the distance between 2lf on the two shoulder groups.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, and FIGS. 5A through 5K, parts of the head groups are shown . The head group has two sub groups, tilt group and pan group. The tilt group has a middle piece 31, a mouth piece 32, an eye piece 33, a chin piece 34, an ultrasound piece 35, an ear piece 36, and a servo 37. The pan group has two neck pieces 38, a small servo arm 39, a base piece 310, two small locks 311, and a long servo arm 312. [0090] Referring to FIG. 6A through 6D, interlocking mechanisms and the assembling order of the head group are shown. In this figure, the assembling of tilt group starts from the middle piece 31. The mouth piece 32 and the eye piece 33 are slidable into the slots 3 la and 3 lb of 31. The chin 34 is inserted into slot 3 lc on middle piece 31, and its tab 34d is pushed into 32d on 32 to lock the position of 32. Its upper surface pushes the lower edge of piece 33 to lock it in middle piece 31. The ultrasound sensor 35 is inserted into the eye piece 33 through 33e. The ear piece 36 is inserted in slot 3 lf Its front surfaces pushes ultrasound 35 to lock it in 33. Its dent 36g matches 34g and locks piece 34 in slot 3 lc. The servo 37 is inserted into slot 3 lh on middle piece 31 to lock piece 36. Itself is fixed onto middle piece 31 by two screws at 3 li.

[0091] The ultrasonic sensor is used for both morphological and functional uses. It resembles the eyes of a cat, and it measures the distance in front of the device and can transmit signal to the controller for perception. It can be replaced by other sensors that can fit into the space.

[0092] The assembling of pan group starts from screwing“L” shaped servo arm 39 onto one of the neck 38 at 38a. The two 38 are inserted into the wider slot 310b on the base 310 and are pushed apart into the narrower slots 3 l0c. 3 l0d is inserted into 38d at the same time. Two“C” shaped locks 311 are inserted to base 310 through the wider slots 3 l0e then slides to the narrower slot 3 lOf to lock the necks 38 and keep them perpendicular to the base. The long servo arm 312 is screwed onto base 310 and its longer ends 3 l2g locks the small locks 311 in the narrower slot 3 lOf. The pan and tilt groups are connected through the servo arm 39. The whole head group and the torso group are connected through the servo arm 312.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7 and FIGS. 7A through 7H, the flexible linkage 100 in the neck joint is shown. The head portion is linked to the body through neck group 14. When the robotic animal puzzle 10 is moving, it’s possible to have head-on collisions when excessive force will be applied to the head portion. A flexible linkage 100 is introduced between the neck and body to allow small shifts and damper the shock to protect the joint and components.

[0094] The panning servo 41 connects the shoulder and the neck group 14. It is inserted into slot 2lg on the top shoulder piece 21 and can slide freely. A spring 42 stands on the bottom shoulder piece 21 and pushes the servo towards top piece 21. A screw 43 is attached to panning servo 41 and is inserted through the spring 42. It avoids the spring from jumping out. The edge on the other side of the servo serves as the pivot for rotation. When the head drops down during collision, the servo will be able to rotate along the pivot axis. The spring absorbs some of the shock and brings the servo back to normal position.

[0095] Referring to FIGS 8 and 8A, the sequential screw holes for tuning the center of mass are shown. Walking is a dynamic process where the center of mass (CoM) continuously moves in and out of the projected area of foot-ground contacts. It is vital for quadruped walking to control the leg movements (gaits) relate to the CoM. On the other hand, if the gaits are preset and fixed, it’s possible to tune the location of CoM to optimize the walking performance. Because the battery pack contributes a large portion of the total body mass, changing its location will effectively tune the CoM.

[0096] In one possible configuration, there are one or more rows of sequential screw holes 23i on the bottom torso piece 23, lined along the longer/spinal direction of the torso. The screw holes are separated by certain distances that meets the minimal precision requirements for tuning the CoM. The battery holder 51 is attached to the bottom piece by screws 52 through screw holes 5 li, while its location can be adjusted by screwing into proper screw holes among the hole matrix.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 9, in an alternate embodiment, a pull and drag mechanism for conveniently tuning the center of mass is shown. One or more long slots, or tracks, 23h on torso piece 23 are provided to allow the screw 52 that connects the battery holder 51 to slide along. The width of the slot is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the screw. For every screw, a through hole rivet 54 is inserted into the battery holder then the bottom torso piece 23. The rivet’s inner diameter is slightly larger than that of the screw 52. Its outer diameter is larger than the width of the long slots 23h. The length of the rivet is close to the thickness of the torso piece 23. Along the slot 23h, there are sequential larger holes separated by certain distances that meets the minimal precision requirements for tuning the CoM. The diameter of the holes is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rivet. The screws 52 will go through the rivet 54, the holes on the bottom of the battery holder 51, the long slot 23h, a compression spring 53, and eventually screws in to the nut piece 27 above the bottom torso piece 23.

[0098] The extension force by the spring 53 is slightly stronger than the weight of the battery holder with batteries. By pushing the nut piece 27 upward, it lifts the rivet 54 into the large holes along the slot 23h. Because the width of the slot is smaller than the outer diameter of the rivet, the rivet will lock the location of the battery pack that it attaches to.

[0099] By dragging the battery holder 51 downward, the spring can be compressed more to allow the battery holder to be pulled down. Its attached rivet 54 will be pulled out of the holes on the long slot 23h. Now only the thinner screw 52 is inside the slot and is free to move along the long direction of the slot. After tuning the location of the battery pack, just release it and the spring will extend and lift the rivet 54 into the nearest larger hole along the long slot 23h. The location of the battery pack is locked again.

[00100] FIG. 9G shows an alternate embodiment of bottom piece of the pull and drag mechanism having multiple slots 23h for tuning the center of mass.

[00101] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIGS. 10A through 101, a shock reduction mechanism in the thigh is shown. Walking is a periodical motion and the involving joints can experience wear and damage during frequent loading and unloading force. Unexpected stops and collisions can further damage the mechanical parts in the actuator. An elastic linkage is introduced between the actuating servo motor and the limb.

[00102] Each upper leg, or thigh, includes a track to receive the motor arm 62 for each driving servo motor embedded in another body portion. The servo arm is partially constrained in the track and is pushed by a spring 61 to its regular position (shown in section view B 10-B10). It can also move along the long direction of the thigh, or rotate about the joint axis.

[00103] The servo arm will experience external force or torque when the relative position between the thigh and the servo joint changes. If the force on the servo arm is larger than the compressing force of the spring, the servo arm will slide along the long direction of the thigh. If there’s shearing force component, the contacting point between the servo arm and the track becomes the pivot for possible rotation. If the external torque is larger than the torque generated by the spring’s tension, the servo arm will rotate and slide along the long direction at the same time (shown in section view D10-D10). The friction during the sliding also absorbs some of the energy to dampen oscillation. [00104] The elastic linkage turns fast changing loads into gradually changed tension in the spring and dampers sudden shocks. It also creates a tolerated torsion range to avoid damage on the servo during collision, or hurt people touching the limbs.

[00105] In the disclosed embodiment, the thigh may be divided into top and bottom pieces, which may provide some convenience for manufacturing and assembling.

[00106] Referring to FIGS. 11, 11 A and 11B, a partially constrained tail joint and a wheel at the tail’s end are shown. A tail is important for animals' balancing, posturing and appearance. The robot has a tail portion 71 attached to the torso through a partially constrained joint. A servo arm 73 inserts through slot 7la and connects to a panning servo 74. A screw 75 is fixed on the servo arm and goes through a metal rivet 76 then inserts into the slot 7lb. The slot is longer than the diameter of rivet to allow the tail to rotate by a small angle in pitch direction. The length of the rivet is slightly larger than the thickness of the slot to prevent it falling out. The metal rivet 76 is used to reduce friction between the screw 75 and the slot 7lb.

[00107] In some situation, the end of the tail will be contacting ground or other surfaces and scratch. An optional wheel piece 72 is installed at the end of the tail to reduce friction. A screw 77 goes through hole 7lc on the tail piece 71 through a metal rivet 76. The inner diameter of rivet is slightly larger than the diameter of screw, and the outer diameter of rivet is slightly smaller than the diameter of hole 7lc. The length of the rivet is slightly larger than the thickness of tail 71. The rounded end of the rivet sits between the wheel and the tail as a washer spacer.

[00108] The tail piece 71 can be actively driven by the servo in pan direction, and can also be passively driven by gravity depending on body orientation, or by the centrifugal force caused by the fast spinning rotation. The tail piece 71 is used for balancing during walking or standing. It can rotate to the falling side to avoid rolling, pushing the body for rolling recovering, and can be the third supporting point for standing up with two hind legs.

[00109] The present application contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing its operations. The embodiments of the present application may be implemented using an existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system.

[00110] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the robotic animal puzzle as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means- plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application.

[00111] As noted above, embodiments within the scope of the present application may include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine- executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.