Detachable Battery Coupling for Fast Autonomous Robot Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous traveling devices, the existing bolt-based coupling of battery units to traveling units makes it difficult to efficiently replace discharged battery units in a timely manner, especially in applications like package transportation.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous traveling device employs a detachable structure with convex-concave fitting and a power supply structure for contactless power transfer, allowing the battery unit to be easily replaced by guide rails that move forward and backward through fitting gaps, ensuring efficient replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolt-based coupling is used to connect battery unit to traveling unit, then connection strength is improved, but battery unit replacement efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is divided into separate coupling protrusions and coupling recesses that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The battery unit is segmented from the traveling unit through this detachable coupling mechanism, allowing rapid replacement without bolts while maintaining connection strength during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure transitions from a static bolted connection to a dynamic detachable coupling system. The coupling protrusions and recesses enable the battery unit to be quickly attached and detached, making the replacement process adaptable and efficient while maintaining secure connection during traveling.
2Productivity
If detachable coupling structure is used to enable quick battery unit replacement, then battery unit replacement efficiency is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure uses asymmetric coupling protrusions and recesses with specific geometric shapes that ensure proper alignment and secure engagement. The asymmetric design prevents improper coupling while maintaining high connection reliability, and the guide rails work with this asymmetric structure to guide precise positioning during attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail acts as an intermediary element between the coupling protrusions and recesses. It guides the battery unit into proper alignment with the traveling unit during attachment, ensuring reliable connection without requiring complex locking mechanisms, thus maintaining both replacement efficiency and connection reliability.
3Productivity
If guide rails are added to guide battery unit movement for efficient replacement, then battery unit replacement efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail function is merged with the coupling structure itself. The coupling protrusions and recesses are designed to work integrally with the guide rails, combining the guiding function and coupling function into a unified structure. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device while maintaining efficient battery unit replacement.
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
This solution enables timely and efficient replacement of battery units, improving the overall efficiency of the autonomous traveling management system by ensuring continuous operation without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply structure for contactlessly supplying the power
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous traveling device autonomously travels in a charged state after being charged at a charging station of an autonomous traveling management system, and includes: a traveling unit that receives power; a battery unit capable of supplying the power to the traveling unit in the charged state and in a coupled state where the battery unit is coupled to the traveling unit; a detachable structure that is a structure for detachably connecting the battery unit to the traveling unit, forms a fitting gap through which a guide rail that guides the battery unit; and a power supply structure for contactlessly supplying the power.