Adjustable Battery Mounting for Variable-Capacity Robotic Mowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic mowers face challenges in accommodating battery packs of varying capacities due to fixed container volumes, making it inconvenient and costly to adjust battery capacity, especially for larger grass cutting areas.
Innovation Solution
A self-moving device with a battery mounting portion that has two connection states, allowing for adjustable volume and size to accommodate battery packs of different capacities, enabling flexible replacement and cost-effective energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the battery pack capacity is increased to extend operating duration for larger grass cutting areas, then the operating duration is improved, but the device weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple individual batteries that can be independently arranged within the container. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where batteries can be added or removed based on operating duration requirements, avoiding the need to increase the entire battery pack capacity and associated weight for maximum duration scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery mounting portion employs a movable support structure that can adjust its position within the container. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the battery mounting portion to accommodate different numbers and sizes of batteries, enabling the system to adapt its energy storage capacity to match specific operating duration needs without permanent structural changes.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery pack capacity is increased by improving individual battery electrical capacity, then the operating duration is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of improving the electrical capacity of a single large battery, the system uses multiple standard-capacity batteries that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This approach leverages economies of scale in battery production while allowing flexible configuration to achieve the desired total capacity, reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of battery configuration from fixed high-capacity individual units to variable multi-unit arrangements. By adjusting the number and arrangement of batteries rather than improving individual battery technology, the system achieves extended operating duration through cost-effective parameter adjustment rather than expensive technological advancement.
3Quantity of substance
If the container volume is increased to accommodate larger battery packs, then the battery pack capacity is improved, but the device volume and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is segmented into multiple smaller batteries that can be efficiently arranged within the container volume. This segmentation allows better space utilization compared to a single large battery, enabling higher total battery capacity within the same device volume by reducing wasted space between battery units.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support structure within the container allows flexible reconfiguration of batteries in different positions and orientations. This dynamic arrangement capability maximizes the utilization of available container volume, enabling the system to accommodate larger total battery capacity without permanently increasing the device's external dimensions.
4Device complexity
If the battery mounting portion structure is made fixed to simplify design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different battery capacities is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The battery mounting portion incorporates a movable support that can be repositioned within the container along guided tracks. This dynamic element provides adaptability to accommodate different battery capacities and configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The movement mechanism uses basic mechanical components like guides and springs, avoiding complex actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The container structure is designed with universal features including the movable support and adjustable battery mounting portion that can accommodate various battery types, sizes, and arrangements. This multi-functional design allows a single standardized container structure to serve multiple battery capacity requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized structures and thereby simplifying the overall device design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-moving device moves and works in a defined working region. The self-moving device includes an energy module supplying energy to the self-moving device and a battery mounting portion used to accommodate the energy module. The battery mounting portion includes a housing, an accommodating cavity defined by the housing, a support accommodated in the accommodating cavity, and a battery accommodating portion located in the accommodating cavity and used to accommodate a battery pack. A connection relationship between the housing and the support at least includes two different connection states. The battery accommodating portion has different volumes or sizes in the two different connection states.