Cart Robot Charge Module With Front Rear Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a cart robot that can provide a user following function and power assist function while being capable of charging its battery, as existing carts lack a charge system for these features, making it inconvenient for users to manage and move them, especially in environments where external electric power is not consistently available.
Innovation Solution
A cart robot equipped with a battery module and a battery management system, featuring a charge module with front and rear connectors that allow for simultaneous charging of multiple cart robots at a charge position, eliminating the need for a separate charging space and enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a battery and charge system are added to enable user following and power assist functions, then the cart can provide automated assistance and follow user movement, but the device complexity increases and requires additional charging infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charging function with the coupling mechanism between carts. When carts are coupled together, the connectors automatically engage to establish electrical connection for power transfer. This merging of charging and coupling functions eliminates the need for separate charging infrastructure and reduces device complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors serve multiple functions: they enable mechanical coupling between carts for power assist operation, and simultaneously establish electrical connection for charging the battery module. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to support both operational and charging needs, reducing overall system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If a battery module is installed to power automated functions, then the cart can operate autonomously for user following and power assist, but the weight of the cart increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery module with the existing cart structure, integrating the power source into the overall design rather than adding it as a separate component. This integration approach minimizes additional weight by utilizing existing structural space and optimizing the placement of the battery module within the cart assembly.
3Productivity
If connectors are provided on both front and rear sides for charging, then multiple cart robots can be charged simultaneously without additional space, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the charging capability into front and rear connectors, allowing multiple carts to be charged in a chain configuration. Each cart has connectors positioned to enable coupling with adjacent carts, creating a segmented charging system where power can be distributed through the chain without requiring separate charging stations for each cart.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the charging function with the coupling mechanism between carts. When carts are coupled together, the connectors automatically engage to establish electrical connection for power transfer. This merging of charging and coupling functions eliminates the need for separate charging infrastructure and reduces device complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cart robot having a charge function, which includes: a main body having a container in which goods are contained, a handle assembly installed on one side of the container, a battery module, and a battery management system (BMS) module for managing charge and discharge of the battery module; wheel assemblies rotatably coupled to a lower portion of the main body, and configured to move the main body in a direction of a force applied to the handle assembly; and an external charge module (CM) having a front connector provided on a lower front side of the main body and a rear connector provided on a lower rear side of the main body, electrically connected to an external power supply through the front or rear connector and configured to charge the battery module.