Charging Coupling Multiple Contact Points Robotic Lawnmower

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current charging systems for robotic garden tools, such as robotic lawnmowers, suffer from inefficient current transfer and energy loss due to a single point of contact, leading to heat generation and reduced battery charging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A charging coupling with multiple resilient contact bars provides increased contact points between the charging contacts, enhancing electric current transfer efficiency and minimizing energy loss, using a cost-effective design with a base plate and stamped components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a single point of contact is used for current transfer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging efficiency decreases and energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second charging contact is segmented into multiple resilient contact bars (at least two, preferably three or more) arranged in a row. Each contact bar provides an independent contact point with the first charging contact, transforming a single-point contact system into a multi-point contact system. This segmentation increases the total contact area and distributes the current flow across multiple paths, thereby reducing energy loss and heat generation while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of stamped plate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a single point of contact is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the charging efficiency and current transfer effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The second charging contact is divided into multiple resilient contact bars that can be stamped from a single plate, providing multiple contact points simultaneously. This segmentation enables efficient current transfer across multiple contact areas, significantly improving charging efficiency compared to a single contact point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contact bars are designed with resilient properties and specific dimensional parameters (length, width, thickness within specified ranges) that allow them to spring against the first charging contact. This creates reliable electrical connection with adequate contact pressure, ensuring effective current transfer while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized dimensioning and stamped construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If multiple resilient contact bars are used, then the contact area and current transfer efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact areaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second charging contact is segmented into multiple resilient contact bars arranged in a row, each making contact with the first charging contact at different points. This creates multiple parallel current paths and significantly increases the effective contact area compared to a single contact point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple contact bars are merged into a single stamped plate structure forming the second charging contact. This integration allows the multiple contact elements to be manufactured as one piece, reducing assembly complexity and maintaining relatively simple device structure despite having multiple contact points. The base plate provides structural support while the contact bars extend to engage with the first charging contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 charging coupling achieves efficient battery charging by distributing electric current through multiple contact points, reducing energy loss and heat generation, while maintaining a simple and affordable component structure.

Implementation Method 1

electric current may be transferred between the charging contacts of the metal plate and the leaf spring... electric current may be transferred from the leaf spring of the charging device to the metal plate of the robotic lawnmower

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The second charging contact may comprise a row of at least two resilient contact bars... when the resilient contact bars are pressed against the first charging contact, the multiple contact points allow efficient transfer of electric current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2571344B1Effective charging by multiple contact points
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP2571344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2571344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2571344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a charging coupling 100 for connecting a robotic garden tool with a charging device. The charging coupling 100 may facilitate the charging of a battery of the robotic garden tool. The charging coupling 100 may include a first charging contact 102 and a second charging contact 104. The first charging contact 102 may be a charging plate or a charging rod. The second charging contact 104 may be provided with a row of resilient contact bars 106. The arrangement of the first charging contact 102 and the second charging contact 104 may be configured such that the resilient contact bars 106 are pressed against the charging plate to provide multiple contact points.