Autonomous Charging Dock with Tapered Support for Robot Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart logistics vehicles face challenges with complex and durable charging terminal designs that require manual adjustments and are prone to position errors during docking, leading to increased manufacturing costs and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned charging device with a charging terminal unit that includes a front support with a tapered shape, a sensing unit, and a compression spring, allowing for position adjustment and compensation of the mobile robot through shape modification, enabling efficient docking without manual angle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical guide or adjustable charging terminal is used to aid docking, then docking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging terminal is designed with a tapered front support that automatically guides and adjusts the mobile robot's position during docking. The shape itself performs the positioning function without requiring external mechanical guides or complex adjustment mechanisms, enabling the system to self-correct position errors
Solution Approach 2:
The charging terminal employs a tapered geometric shape with specific angular parameters that transform the docking process. The gradual narrowing of the front support creates a self-aligning effect that compensates for position errors through geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical adjustments
2Adaptability or versatility
If angle adjustment mechanisms are added to the charging terminal, then docking adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging terminal incorporates a spring mechanism that allows the front support to dynamically adjust its position and angle during docking. This elastic element enables the structure to adapt to position errors while maintaining a simple, fixed installation, eliminating the need for complex angle adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The charging terminal is divided into functional segments: a fixed mounting body, an adjustable front support with tapered shape, and a spring element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving adaptability through simple, manufacturable parts
3Device complexity
If manual battery replacement is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical battery replacement with an automated electromagnetic charging system. The mobile robot autonomously docks with the charging terminal, and electrical contact is established through the tapered front support and spring mechanism, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The charging terminal is pre-positioned and the front support is pre-configured with the tapered shape and spring tension. When the mobile robot approaches, the system is already prepared to automatically guide and establish charging contact, enabling seamless automated operation without manual preparation
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned charging device and method for a smart logistics vehicle are disclosed. The unmanned charging device includes a charging body configured to enable a mobile robot to dock therewith and having an inner space, and a charging terminal unit inserted into the inner space of the charging body and having a front support at a front side thereof, the charging terminal unit being configured to enable charging of the mobile robot. When the mobile robot approaches the charging body in response to reception of a charging request, a sensing unit of the mobile robot is supported by the front support, thereby causing the mobile robot to be adjusted in position. Docking of the mobile robot with the charging terminal unit is performed in a position-adjusted state of the mobile robot.