Charging Module Guide Structure for Robot Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robots often face difficulties aligning with charging docks due to navigation and dimension errors, leading to inefficient charging processes.
Innovation Solution
A charging system comprising a charging station and module with a guide structure and elastic mechanism that allows the connectors to align vertically, ensuring reliable engagement despite errors, using guiding members and mechanisms to facilitate stable and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile robots use fixed charging docks with rigid connectors, then the charging system structure is simple, but the robots cannot align themselves well due to navigation and dimension errors
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with vertical movement capability, transforming from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The elastic mechanism enables the connector to move vertically and adapt its position to compensate for alignment errors between the robot and charging dock.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector's vertical position parameter is made variable through the elastic mechanism, allowing it to adjust its height to match the charging dock connector. This parameter change compensates for navigation and dimension errors in robot positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If the charging dock uses a guide structure with elastic mechanism, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the charging dock and robot connector. It includes guiding members that constrain and guide the vertical movement of the connector, ensuring precise alignment while simplifying the overall system by providing a dedicated alignment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure incorporates elastic mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment of the connector's vertical position. This dynamic capability allows the system to compensate for positioning errors and achieve reliable connection despite variations in robot navigation and dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but navigation and dimension errors prevent proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to self-align and self-adjust vertically through the elastic mechanism and guide structure. When the robot approaches the charging dock, the guide structure automatically guides the connector into proper alignment and the elastic mechanism adjusts the vertical position, enabling autonomous engagement without complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic structure capable of vertical movement. The elastic mechanism provides the necessary compliance and adaptability for the connector to engage with the charging dock despite navigation and dimension errors in robot positioning.
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
Enables reliable and efficient charging of mobile robots by ensuring proper alignment and secure electrical connection, preventing damage and ensuring consistent charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic mechanism is provided, the elastic mechanism elastically connecting the second connector to the housing and allowing the second connector to move with respect to the housing in the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A charging module for use with a charging station that includes a first connector, includes a housing, a second connector, and a guide structure configured to guide the first connector in a vertical direction. The guide structure includes a guiding member fixed to the second connector, or a guiding mechanism that elastically connects the second connector to the housing and allows the second connector to move with respect to the housing in the vertical direction.