Battery apparatus for a robot, methods, and applications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic vacuum cleaners are limited by their non-holonomic drive systems, which restrict their movement and require frequent battery charging, leading to inefficiencies and interruptions in operation, especially in industrial settings where task completion is disrupted by battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
A robotic vacuum cleaner equipped with a holonomic drive system and a removable, chargeable battery system that includes a battery management system (BMS) with capacitive touch sensors and tri-colored LED indicators for charge status, allowing for continuous operation and quick battery swapping without power system interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a non-holonomic drive system is used, then the robot can be simpler in structure, but the robot's movement capability is restricted and cleaning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into multiple independently controlled wheel modules, each capable of individual rotation and propulsion. This modular segmentation enables holonomic movement capabilities while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures, resolving the contradiction between system complexity and movement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system transitions from static wheel orientations to dynamically adjustable wheel directions. Each wheel can independently change its rotation plane and orientation, enabling the robot to move in any direction without repositioning the entire body, thus improving cleaning efficiency without excessive complexity
2Device complexity
If the robot uses a fixed orientation drive system, then the control system is simpler, but the robot cannot maintain orientation while moving in different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts wheel orientations in real-time based on desired movement direction. Each wheel module can independently reposition itself to the required angle, allowing the robot to maintain its body orientation while moving in any direction, achieving versatility without excessive control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each wheel module autonomously determines its own orientation and propulsion direction based on control signals, reducing the complexity of centralized control. The distributed control architecture allows individual modules to self-adjust, improving movement flexibility while keeping the overall control system manageable
3Device complexity
If the robot docks to charge when battery is depleted, then the battery system is simpler, but the robot operation is interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple replaceable battery modules rather than a single large battery. This allows individual modules to be quickly swapped out when depleted, enabling continuous operation without lengthy recharging interruptions while maintaining relatively simple individual battery unit designs
Solution Approach 2:
Additional charged battery modules are prepared in advance and can be quickly exchanged with depleted ones. This preliminary preparation of backup power sources eliminates operational interruptions, achieving continuous productivity while keeping each battery module simple and manageable
4Productivity
If the robot removes battery for replacement, then continuous operation is enabled, but all power systems are immediately depowered causing interruption
Solution Approach 1:
A supercapacitor energy storage device serves as an intermediary between the battery and power systems. During battery replacement, the supercapacitor temporarily supplies power to maintain operation of critical systems, enabling continuous operation while minimizing power interruption time
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor is pre-charged before battery replacement occurs. This preliminary energy storage ensures that when the battery is removed, power systems remain operational during the swap process, achieving continuous operation with minimal interruption
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic vacuum cleaner equipped with a holonomic drive that can drive in a given direction, e.g., north (assigned orientation), and move in a different direction, while maintaining its assigned orientation or that of any desired portion of the robot, such as an intake, or any other portion of the robot that is needed for a particular maneuver. The robotic vacuum cleaner includes a removable, chargeable battery system including a battery pack having batteries and a battery management system extending across all the batteries of the battery pack. A housing, including a top cover, surrounds the battery pack and the battery management system (BMS). The top cover extends over the BMS and includes a circuit board therein. A connector is at least partially connected to the BMS and extends through the housing. The connector is configured to transmit signals between the battery management system and the robotic vacuum cleaner.