Capacitor Power System for Entertainment AGVs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated guided vehicles (AGVs) used in entertainment settings face challenges with power sources, including long recharging times for batteries and safety concerns with remote power sources, which limit their operational hours and increase weight and costs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a capacitor-based power system that allows for high charging currents, enabling rapid recharging and extended operational periods, along with a charging module and contactless charging means to minimize delays and ensure passenger safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If batteries are used as power source with high capacity to last full working period, then operational duration is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage from electrochemical (batteries) to electrical (capacitors). This parameter change enables rapid charging/discharging cycles with significantly reduced weight and cost while maintaining operational duration through frequent quick charging at stations throughout the working period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the operational period into multiple short cycles, with the AGV charging at distributed charging stations rather than requiring one large battery to cover the entire working period. This allows the vehicle to operate in shorter intervals with lighter energy storage components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If batteries are used with high capacity to last full working period, then operational duration is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational durationVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the energy storage parameter from high-capacity batteries to capacitor-based systems with frequent charging. This parameter change dramatically reduces the cost of energy storage components while maintaining full working period operational duration through the charging network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The AGV system serves itself by automatically charging at distributed stations throughout operation, eliminating the need for large, expensive battery packs. The system uses the operational infrastructure (charging stations) to sustain itself rather than carrying all energy requirements from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Weight of moving object

If remote power sources are used to power AGV, then weight and cost are reduced, but safety concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces capacitor-based energy storage as an intermediary between the heavy battery systems and the remote power sources. This intermediary provides the safety benefits of lighter weight and reduced on-board energy storage while maintaining reliable power delivery through the charging station network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Weight of moving object

If inductive power pick up is used to power AGV, then weight is reduced, but alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical alignment requirements of inductive power transfer with a different approach: using capacitors that can be quickly charged from conventional electrical contacts at charging stations. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment between power sources and pickup devices while maintaining the benefits of reduced on-board energy storage weight.

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

The capacitor-based system significantly reduces recharging time, allowing AGVs to operate 24/7 with minimal interruptions, reduces weight and costs, and enables the use of high-voltage motors for more efficient and powerful vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

it comprises at least one capacitor as a power source for electrical consumers of the passenger carrying automated guided vehicle, particularly for at least one electric motor that propels the passenger carrying automated guided vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

contactless charging means for contactless transferral of energy from an external charging station

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11612824B2Automated guided vehicles

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 ROBOCOASTER

AI summary

The present invention relates to automated guided vehicles, hereinafter referred to as AGVs, and specifically to AGVs used for entertainment purposes. More specifically, the present invention relates to using in a passenger carrying AGV a capacitor or a plurality of capacitors as a power source.