Feeding device for supplying a mobile device with a material and a portable device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for powering autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) are limited by the need for multiple docking stations due to fixed connection element arrangements, and pose safety risks due to high forces involved in coupling, particularly when preventing accidental crushing of objects or individuals.
Innovation Solution
A feed device with a plug and feed line that includes a valve, a movement device, and a detection system, allowing for adjustable positioning and orientation of the plug relative to the mobile device, enabling coupling regardless of height and orientation, and controlling coupling forces to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed docking station with predefined connection element arrangement is used, then coupling can be achieved with a specific mobile device, but the system cannot accommodate mobile devices with different connection element arrangements requiring multiple docking stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connection elements movable rather than fixed. The movement device enables the connection elements to adjust their position and orientation dynamically, allowing a single docking station to accommodate multiple mobile devices with different connection element arrangements. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed docking stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a docking station with movable connection elements that can serve multiple mobile devices with different configurations. The single docking station becomes multi-functional, capable of coupling with various mobile devices regardless of their specific connection element arrangements, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized docking stations.
2Reliability
If high coupling forces are used to ensure reliable connection, then coupling reliability is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential crushing of objects or individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a detection system that monitors the coupling process and provides information to the control device. The detection system detects when connection elements are properly engaged, allowing the control device to adjust coupling forces dynamically. This ensures reliable coupling while preventing excessive forces that could cause crushing, as the system can stop or reduce force once coupling is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting coupling forces based on the coupling state. The control device can modify force parameters during the coupling process, applying higher forces initially to ensure connection reliability, then reducing forces once coupling is detected to eliminate crushing risks. This resolves the contradiction by making forces variable rather than constantly high.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connection elements are horizontally aligned at the same height, then coupling alignment is simplified, but the system cannot accommodate mobile devices with vertically offset connection elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling vertical movement of connection elements through the movement device. Instead of fixing connection elements at a single height, the system can dynamically adjust their vertical position to match mobile devices with different connection element heights. This provides adaptability to various positions while using a standardized docking station structure.
4Extent of automation
If manual refilling steps are required at docking stations, then system simplicity is maintained, but autonomous operation duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the mobile device to autonomously perform refilling operations at the docking station. The mobile device can automatically couple with the docking station, receive materials or energy, and uncouple without human intervention. This eliminates manual refilling steps and extends autonomous operation duration by allowing the device to service itself during operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a feeding device for supplying a device movable on a transport surface with material that can be fed via a feed line. The feeding device also includes a plug with at least one electrical plug contact element, which extends towards the free end of the plug along a plug axis and can be coupled to a plug receptacle of the movable device by a linear insertion movement. The feeding device further comprises a feed line with a valve and detects a coupled state of the plug with the plug receptacle by means of an electrical plug contact element. In the coupled state, the valve of the feed line can be actuated.The feeding device comprises a nozzle, a feeding bracket, a motion device, and a detection system. The nozzle is arranged on the feeding line and extends along a nozzle axis towards the free end of the nozzle and can be coupled to an inlet port of the mobile device. The feeding bracket holds the nozzle and the connector in a defined position and orientation relative to each other such that when the connector is coupled to the connector receptacle, the nozzle couples to the inlet port. The motion device makes the feeding bracket with connector and nozzle at least height-adjustable and movable in the direction of the joining movement along a joining axis. A detection system determines the position and orientation of the connector receptacle based on recognition features of the connector receptacle.The feeding device is designed to couple the plug to the connector receptacle, and thereby the nozzle to the inlet nozzle, based on the determined position and orientation of the connector receptacle, by means of a linear joining movement along the joining axis. The invention also relates to a mobile device.