US 11,396,266 B1 · Autonomous mobile device with extensible mast

Abstract

An autonomous mobile device (AMD) includes a telescoping mast with sensors on top that are connected to a cable running through the mast. An inner section of the mast includes a bobbin that secures cables. The bobbin has a shaft and features that guide cables to helically wind around the shaft. The bobbin reduces stress on the cable as the mast moves. The mast is lifted by a rack that includes a portion with teeth and a portion without. The portion with teeth is driven by a motor. The portion without teeth connects the rack to a spool. The toothless section reduces stress on the toothed portion of the rack as it spools or unspools. The AMD includes a hinge to tilt a display. To securely position the hinge on a shaft, the shaft is spun after assembly so that a push nut cuts a retention groove in the shaft.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus comprising:

a telescoping mast comprising:
an outer mast section,
an inner mast section arranged at least in part within the outer mast section, and
a first structure disposed within the inner mast section, the first structure comprising:
a shaft comprising a first end and a second end,
a first feature proximate to the first end, wherein the first feature comprises a first aperture, and
a second feature proximate to the second end, wherein the second feature comprises a second aperture;
wherein, based on a relative orientation between the first aperture and the second aperture, a cable passing through the first aperture and the second aperture helically winds around the shaft.

5 more elements

An apparatus comprising:

a telescoping mast comprising:
a first mast section,
a second mast section arranged at least in part within the first mast section, and
a first structure disposed within the second mast section, the first structure comprising:
a shaft comprising a first end and a second end,
a first feature proximate to the first end, wherein the first feature comprises a first aperture, and
a second feature proximate to the second end, wherein the second feature comprises a second aperture;
and
wherein, based on a relative orientation between the first aperture and the second aperture directs a cable that passes through the first aperture and the second aperture to helically wind around the shaft;
and
a flexible rack comprising:
a first piece comprising a plurality of teeth, wherein the first piece comprises a first end that is attached to a retention feature arranged within the second mast section and a second end that is attached to a second piece, and
the second piece comprising a third end that is attached to the first piece and a fourth end that is attached to a spool.

10 more elements

An autonomous mobile device (AMD) comprising:

one or more memories storing computer-executable instructions;
one or more processors to execute the computer-executable instructions;
and
a telescoping mast comprising:
a first mast section,
a second mast section arranged at least in part within the first mast section, and
a first structure disposed within the second mast section, the first structure comprising:
a shaft comprising a first end and a second end,
a first feature proximate to the first end, wherein the first feature comprises a first aperture, and
a second feature proximate to the second end, wherein the second feature comprises a second aperture;
wherein, based on a relative orientation between the first aperture and the second aperture, a cable passing through the first aperture and the second aperture helically winds around the shaft.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Autonomous mobile device with extensible mast

Life of this patent

Autonomous mobile device with extensible mast

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20