Docking Station Power Terminal Control for Safe Robot Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging stations for robots pose safety hazards and waste energy due to continuously energized power terminals, leading to potential short circuits and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A control method that de-energizes power terminals of a docking station based on a preset period when an autonomous operation device is in a first state, and re-energizes them if no signal is received within a preset duration, ensuring safe docking and reducing energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power terminals of the docking station are continuously energized to ensure the autonomous operation device can be charged at any time, then the charging availability is improved, but energy waste increases and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The power terminal energization state is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state of the autonomous operation device. The system transitions from a static continuous energization mode to a dynamic on-demand mode, where power is supplied only when the device is in a second state (needing charge) rather than continuously, thereby reducing energy waste while maintaining charging availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous operation device sends periodic first signals to the docking station to indicate its state. The docking station uses this feedback to control the energization of power terminals - de-energizing when the device is in the first state and energizing when the device is in the second state. This feedback mechanism ensures charging availability while preventing unnecessary energy consumption.
2Reliability
If power terminals are continuously energized to ensure immediate charging capability, then the charging readiness is improved, but safety hazards such as short circuits and electric shocks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the energization state of power terminals based on real-time device status. Power terminals are de-energized when the device is operating (first state) and only energized when the device is ready to charge (second state). This dynamic approach maintains charging readiness while eliminating the constant safety hazards associated with continuously energized terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic first signals sent by the autonomous operation device provide continuous feedback about its state to the docking station. This feedback enables the docking station to make safe decisions about power terminal energization, ensuring power is only supplied when the device is properly docked and ready to charge, thus preventing short circuits and electric shocks.
3Ease of operation
If power terminals stay energized for extended periods, then the charging convenience is improved, but corrosion of power terminals accelerates and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power terminal energization is changed from a static continuous state to a dynamic on-demand state. Terminals are de-energized during device operation and only energized during actual charging operations. This reduces the cumulative exposure time of power terminals to corrosive electrical conditions, extending their service life while maintaining charging convenience when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic signaling where the autonomous operation device sends first signals at predetermined intervals to indicate its state. This periodic communication enables the docking station to periodically adjust the energization state of power terminals, ensuring they are energized only during necessary charging periods rather than continuously, thereby reducing corrosion and extending service life.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of autonomous operation control, and provide a control method, an autonomous operation device, a docking station, and an autonomous operation system. The control method includes: transmitting a first signal to a docking station based on a first preset period when an autonomous operation device is in a first state, to enable the docking station to control, if the first signal is received, power terminals of the docking station for charging the autonomous operation device to be de-energized; stopping transmitting the first signal to the docking station when the autonomous operation device is in a second state, to enable the docking station to control, if the first signal is not received within preset duration, the power terminals to be energized; and charging a battery in the autonomous operation device after the autonomous operation device in the second state is docked with the power terminals of the docking station. In the present disclosure, when the autonomous operation device is in the first state, the power terminals of the docking station are de-energized. In this case, even if the power terminals are short-circuited or one accidentally touches the power terminals, there is no risk of short circuits or electric shocks, thereby improving safety.