Autonomous moving device and docking station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic moving devices with wireless charging functions face challenges in detecting and removing metallic foreign materials between charging parts, which can cause heat damage and power transfer inefficiencies, especially during high-power charging sessions, and conventional methods are costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses air discharge through actuator parts and ducts to remove foreign materials from charging parts, combined with existing IR communication modules for detection, without the need for additional sensors, allowing for efficient and cost-effective foreign material removal during docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If efficiency monitoring of PTU and PRU is used to detect foreign materials, then low power loss can be accurately detected during low-power transfer, but detection becomes difficult during high-power transfer due to various deviation-incurring elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism using IR communication modules to detect foreign materials. Instead of relying on efficiency monitoring during power transfer, the system uses IR modules to detect the presence of foreign materials before charging begins, thereby avoiding the measurement deviations that occur during high-power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs foreign material detection before the charging operation starts. By using IR modules to scan for foreign materials in advance, the system prevents the measurement accuracy problems that would occur if detection were attempted during high-power transfer, when various deviation-incurring elements interfere with measurement.
2Reliability
If a sensor is used to detect foreign materials between charging parts, then foreign materials can be detected, but manufacturing costs increase significantly when charging parts occupy a large area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IR communication module serve multiple functions: it is used for both communication between PTU and PRU and for detecting foreign materials. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining foreign material detection capability across the entire charging area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing IR communication infrastructure to perform foreign material detection, rather than requiring additional dedicated sensors. The IR modules already present in the system are leveraged for dual purposes, making the detection system cost-effective even when charging parts occupy large areas.
3Productivity
If metallic foreign materials exist between charging parts during charging operation, then power transfer can proceed, but heat is generated that may damage the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action to prevent heat damage by detecting foreign materials before charging begins. The IR modules scan for foreign materials in advance, and if detected, the system prevents charging from starting, thereby eliminating the harmful heat generation that would occur if charging proceeded with foreign materials present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of foreign materials into a detectable signal. By using IR modules to detect the presence of foreign materials, the system transforms what would be a harmful undetected condition into a detectable state that triggers preventive action, stopping charging before heat damage can occur.
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
This solution effectively addresses the issue of metallic foreign materials by using air discharge to remove them from charging parts, enhancing power transfer efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs, while utilizing existing IR modules for detection.
Implementation Method 1
a second actuator part for causing air to flow; a first opening formed in one side of the housing so as to discharge air toward the first charging part
Implementation Method 2
utilizing existing IR modules for detection
Data Source
AI summary
An example autonomous moving device includes a housing in which at least one moving part and a first actuator for providing power to the moving part are accommodated; a first charger which is disposed to be adjacent to at least a portion of the surface of the housing and which is for the wireless charging of electric power used by the device; a second actuator for causing air to flow; a first opening, formed at one side of the housing, for discharging the air toward the first charger in order to remove foreign material from the first charger or around the first charger; and a first duct connected to the first opening from the second actuator.