Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems require significant human intervention for tasks like refueling, testing, and servicing, and lack efficient auto-docking and energy management systems for autonomous operation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an autonomous mobile floor cleaning robot equipped with a structured light sensor and induction charging system that allows for self-docking and energy management, using a receiver coil and transmitter coil for wireless charging, enabling the robot to position itself accurately and recharge without human assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot uses contact-based charging with physical connectors, then charging reliability is improved, but the complexity of docking alignment and mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based charging with electromagnetic induction charging. The transmitter coil in the dock and receiver coil in the robot enable wireless power transfer through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical connectors and mechanical alignment, thus reducing docking complexity while maintaining charging reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the power source and the robot. The transmitter coil generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the receiver coil to transfer power, serving as a non-contact mediator that simplifies the docking process while ensuring reliable charging
2Use of energy by moving object
If the robot performs frequent docking for charging, then energy availability is improved, but loss of time for task execution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs preliminary charging actions by docking with the charging dock before energy is depleted. The simplified induction charging mechanism allows for quick energy replenishment, ensuring continuous energy availability without significant time loss from complex docking procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The robot autonomously manages its energy by automatically docking with the charging dock when battery levels are low. The self-service capability includes autonomous navigation to the dock, alignment using structured light sensors, and initiation of charging without human intervention, minimizing time loss while maintaining energy availability
3Device complexity
If the robot uses simple positioning without sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision during docking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses structured light as an intermediary for positioning and alignment during docking. The structured light sensor projects and detects light patterns to precisely determine the robot's position and orientation relative to the dock, achieving high positioning precision without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The structured light system serves multiple functions: it provides positioning information, alignment guidance, and docking confirmation. This multi-functional approach achieves precise positioning without significantly increasing device complexity, as a single sensor system handles multiple docking requirements
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
Enables autonomous operation of the robot by facilitating efficient and accurate self-docking and energy replenishment, reducing the need for human intervention and enhancing the robot's ability to perform tasks independently.
Implementation Method 1
aligning the mobile floor cleaning robot with the charging dock using the structured light sensor by detecting the backstop using the structured light sensor
Implementation Method 2
induction charging the robot using the receiver coil and the transmitter coil with the robot in the docked position
Implementation Method 3
positioning the robot in a prescribed docked position in the docking bay using the structured light sensor and by sensing a magnetic field emanating from the transmitter coil
Data Source
AI summary
A method for docking an autonomous mobile floor cleaning robot with a charging dock, the robot including a receiver coil and a structured light sensor, the charging dock including a docking bay and a transmitter coil, includes: positioning the robot in a prescribed docked position in the docking bay using the structured light sensor and by sensing a magnetic field emanating from the transmitter coil; and thereafter induction charging the robot using the receiver coil and the transmitter coil with the robot in the docked position.