AGV Charging Interface With Magnetic Contacts and Fleet Orchestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack efficient and automated methods for charging multiple battery-operated automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in environments like warehouses, requiring human intervention and lacking orchestration for efficient charging.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging system comprising a charging interface with a magnet and compressible charger contacts, controlled by a controller that enables autonomous coupling and decoupling, and includes sensors and a management system for orchestrating charging based on vehicle battery levels and availability of charging stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual charging methods are used for battery-operated AGVs, then human intervention is required which reduces operational efficiency, but automated charging systems increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV autonomously navigates to charging stations and performs self-charging without human intervention. The vehicle's controller manages the charging process by detecting battery levels, navigating to available charging stations, and autonomously connecting/disconnecting charging interfaces, enabling the system to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions charging stations throughout the warehouse environment and maintains them in ready states. The management system proactively monitors battery levels and schedules charging operations before complete depletion occurs, ensuring continuous operational readiness without waiting for manual intervention
2Productivity
If multiple AGVs are charged simultaneously without orchestration, then charging efficiency improves, but coordination complexity and potential conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The management system continuously receives feedback from multiple AGVs regarding their battery levels, locations, and charging status. It also monitors charging station availability and operational states. Based on this real-time feedback, the system dynamically adjusts charging schedules and routes to optimize simultaneous charging operations while preventing conflicts
Solution Approach 2:
The charging orchestration system dynamically adapts its coordination strategy based on real-time conditions. It adjusts charging schedules, reassigns charging stations, and modifies vehicle routes dynamically in response to changing battery levels, station availability, and operational priorities, enabling efficient multi-vehicle charging without fixed rigid protocols
3Ease of operation
If charging stations are distributed throughout the warehouse, then charging accessibility improves, but system complexity and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure is segmented into multiple distributed charging stations placed throughout the warehouse. Each station operates as an independent unit with its own charging interface and status monitoring. This segmentation allows AGVs to access charging at various locations along their routes rather than requiring trips to a single centralized charging facility
Solution Approach 2:
Each distributed charging station is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple AGV types and models. The stations use standardized charging interfaces and communication protocols, allowing them to charge different vehicles without requiring station-specific configurations or manual intervention, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture despite the distributed layout
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 enables efficient, automated, and orchestrated charging of multiple AGVs without human intervention, optimizing charging schedules based on vehicle routes and battery levels, thereby enhancing operational efficiency in warehouse environments.
Implementation Method 1
a charging interface (154) including at least one magnet (158)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle charging system comprises at least one controller and at least one arm, each arm having a first end coupled to an actuator and a second end comprising a charging interface. The actuator is configured to articulate the arm into a charging position. The charging interface comprises at least one charging contact coupled to a power source and configured to engage and deliver power to a vehicle charging interface to charge at least one battery of a vehicle. The charging system can include a plurality of arms, each configured to charge a different vehicle. A method of charging one or more vehicles using the charging system is also provided.