Bin-Handling Robot Battery Swapping for Continuous Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely operated vehicle systems for picking up storage bins from storage systems experience operational downtime due to the need for battery recharging, limiting the overall operational cycle to approximately 16 hours per day.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated vehicle assembly with a vehicle body, lifting device, and driving means, equipped with both main and auxiliary power sources, allowing for automatic power transfer between charging stations without human intervention, enabling continuous operation through wireless communication and a management system that monitors and controls power sources, including batteries and capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the vehicle uses a rechargeable battery to supply electrical power to the motor, then the vehicle can operate autonomously, but the operational cycle is limited to approximately 16 hours per day due to recharging needs
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into multiple separate battery units that can be independently exchanged. When one battery is depleted, the vehicle can quickly swap to another charged battery, eliminating the need for prolonged recharging stops and extending the operational cycle beyond 16 hours per day.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power supply parameter from a single rechargeable battery to multiple interchangeable battery units. This parameter change allows continuous operation by swapping depleted batteries with charged ones, effectively removing the operational time limitation imposed by recharging requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the vehicle uses a single main power source, then the system structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot operate continuously for 24 hours per day
Solution Approach 1:
The power source system is segmented into multiple independent battery units rather than using a single large battery. This segmentation enables continuous operation through battery swapping while keeping each individual battery unit simple and manageable, thus extending operational duration without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's power system is designed to accept multiple interchangeable battery units that can be used in any sequence. This multi-functionality allows the same vehicle platform to operate continuously by simply changing which battery unit is active, achieving 24-hour operation capability without fundamentally redesigning the entire power system.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle performs manual battery recharging, then the process is simple to implement, but it requires human intervention and causes operational standstill
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with automatic coupling means that enable it to autonomously connect to charging stations and exchange battery units without human intervention. The coupling means automatically aligns and connects the battery units, allowing the vehicle to service itself and maintain continuous operation, thereby eliminating operational standstill caused by manual recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of battery replacement is replaced with an automated coupling system. The automatic coupling means uses mechanical guidance and automatic connection mechanisms to transfer battery units between the vehicle and charging stations, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining operational efficiency.
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 a significant increase in operational cycle to nearly 24 hours a day by allowing the vehicle to operate continuously, with the auxiliary power source supporting movement between charging stations and the main power source being recharged during operation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more main power sources supplying electrical power to the driving means
Implementation Method 2
one or more auxiliary power sources for supplying electrical power to the driving means
Implementation Method 3
means for monitoring at least one of voltage, temperature, state of charge, depth of discharge, state of health, coolant flow and current
Implementation Method 4
means for monitoring at least one of voltage, temperature, state of charge, depth of discharge, state of health, coolant flow and current
Implementation Method 5
recharging controlling means for controlling at least one parameter related to recharging of at least one of the power sources
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle assembly for picking up storage bins from a storage system and a method for changing a power source arranged within the vehicle assembly. The remotely operated vehicle assembly comprises a vehicle body which displays a cavity for receiving a storage bin situated somewhere within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body for lifting the storage bin into the cavity, driving means connected to the vehicle body allowing remotely controlled movements of the vehicle assembly within the storage system, wireless communication means for providing wireless communication between the vehicle assembly and a remote control unit such as a computer, one or more main power sources supplying electrical power to the driving means and vehicle coupling means for operational and releasable coupling of the main power source to the vehicle body.