Capacitive Power Sharing in Modular Robots Without Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Powering dynamic modular robotic systems while maintaining ease of assembly and form-factor versatility is challenging, as existing methods like local battery storage lead to unequal power consumption and limited operation time.

Innovation Solution

The system employs bidirectional capacitive wireless power transfer between modules via a conduction path, allowing energy sharing and eliminating the need for mechanical connectors, which are unreliable and limit self-reconfigurability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If each actuator module is equipped with local energy storage (battery), then power availability for each module is improved, but operation time is limited by the most power-hungry module and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the energy storage resources of multiple modules by enabling bidirectional power transfer through capacitive coupling. Instead of isolated local batteries, modules can share energy, allowing power-hungry modules to draw from lesser-used modules, thereby extending overall operation time while maintaining individual power availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces capacitive coupling as an intermediary mechanism between modules. This capacitive interface enables energy sharing without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connections, allowing modules to function as both power sources and consumers dynamically, thus resolving the limitation of operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If mechanical connectors are used for power transfer between modules, then power transfer is achieved, but reliability decreases and self-reconfigurability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transferVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connectors with capacitive coupling for power transfer between modules. This eliminates wear, contact resistance, and connection failures associated with mechanical interfaces, significantly improving reliability while maintaining the ability to transfer power dynamically between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive coupling enables dynamic power transfer without fixed mechanical connections. Modules can be reconfigured, added, or removed without compromising the power transfer system, enhancing self-reconfigurability and reliability in extreme environments where mechanical connectors would fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If mechanical connectors are used for module assembly, then modules can be connected, but ease of assembly decreases and form-factor versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidform-factor versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical connectors with capacitive coupling, the patent enables modules to be connected and disconnected easily without complex mechanical alignment or fastening procedures. This improves ease of assembly while allowing greater form-factor versatility, as modules can be configured in various arrangements without being constrained by mechanical connection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables efficient energy management and extended operation time for modular robots by allowing power-hungry modules to receive energy from lesser-used modules, while also maintaining flexibility and reliability in extreme environments.

Implementation Method 1

The terminal of each of the first and second modules is capacitively coupled with the conduction path for bidirectional power transfer between the first and second modules via the conduction path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

Each power management unit includes a power converter, the power converter being configured to convert between direct current (DC) power and radio frequency (RF) power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

Each power converter of the first and second modules includes a switched parallel resonant tank to support bidirectional power transfer between the first and second modules. The switched parallel resonant tank is configured to drive a series resonance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS12244151B2Wireless power transfer in modular systems

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 THE RGT UNIV OF MICHIGAN

AI summary

A system includes a body comprising a conduction path, and first and second modules disposed along, and movable relative to, the body, each of the first and second modules including an energy storage device, a terminal, and a power management unit coupling the energy storage device and the terminal. The terminal of each of the first and second modules is capacitively coupled with the conduction path for bidirectional power transfer between the first and second modules via the conduction path.