Access floor equipped with a system for wireless charging of a robot and a building including same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging systems for autonomous robots in buildings require separate charging docks, which are inefficient in terms of space and aesthetics, compromising the interior design of the building.
Innovation Solution
An access floor system with integrated wireless charging units and communication units connected to power and communication lines under the floor, allowing robots to be charged wirelessly without visible charging docks, and featuring a cooler for heat management and markers for robot navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate charging dock is provided for robot charging, then the robot can be charged at a predetermined location, but the space efficiency is reduced and the aesthetics of the interior design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charging dock is merged with the access floor system, integrating the charging function into the floor structure itself. The wireless charging pad is installed within the access floor panel, allowing the charging station to be flush with the floor surface and indistinguishable from surrounding flooring, thereby eliminating the need for separate charging dock structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is transitioned from a three-dimensional protruding dock structure to a two-dimensional planar integration within the floor panel. The wireless charging pad operates through the floor surface, enabling charging without vertical space occupation, thus improving space efficiency while maintaining aesthetic continuity.
2Ease of operation
If a separate charging dock is provided for robot charging, then the robot can be charged at a predetermined location, but the aesthetics of the interior design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charging dock is merged with the access floor system, integrating the charging function into the floor structure itself. The wireless charging pad is installed within the access floor panel, allowing the charging station to be flush with the floor surface and indistinguishable from surrounding flooring, thereby eliminating the need for separate charging dock structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The access floor panel containing the wireless charging pad is designed with the same appearance, material, and finish as adjacent floor panels. The charging area is locally integrated with identical visual characteristics, making it imperceptible as a functional zone and preserving the overall aesthetic continuity of the interior design.
3Area of stationary object
If wireless charging unit is integrated into access floor section, then space efficiency and aesthetics are improved, but the complexity of connecting to power and communication lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access floor panel is designed as a multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides structural flooring, wireless charging capability, and communication functions. The integrated design allows a single access floor section to house multiple components (power supply, wireless charging pad, communication modules), reducing the need for separate infrastructure installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The access floor system with integrated wireless charging and communication units enables autonomous operation without requiring external charging docks or separate communication infrastructure. The system self-manages power distribution and data communication through its integrated components, reducing installation and maintenance complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If wireless charging unit is integrated into access floor section, then space efficiency and aesthetics are improved, but the ease of maintenance and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The access floor system is segmented into modular panels, with the wireless charging and communication units integrated into individual replaceable sections. This segmentation allows damaged or malfunctioning charging panels to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the entire floor system, significantly easing maintenance and installation processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances space efficiency and aesthetics by seamlessly integrating charging functionality into the floor design, while ensuring easy installation, maintenance, and efficient charging of robots.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless charging unit configured to wirelessly charge at least one robot moving in the building
Implementation Method 2
a cooler configured to connect to a ventilation line or a cooling line under the floor. The cooler may be configured to cool the wireless charging unit when charging the robot
Data Source
AI summary
An access floor system including an access floor section that includes a wireless charging unit which is configured for wirelessly charging at least one robot capable of moving in a building; and a communication unit which communicates with a charging control system for controlling the robot and/or charging of the robot. The wireless charging unit of the access floor section is connected to a power line under the floor surface, and the communication unit of the access floor is connected to a communication line under the floor surface.