Dual Inverter Wireless Power for Robotic Emergency Restart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wired power transmission in robotic systems with movable sections leads to issues such as cable snagging, limited range of motion, and reduced efficiency due to the need for multiple cables, which can be damaged by repetitive bending, and emergency stop mechanisms that disrupt power supply to both motors and control circuits, causing prolonged restart times.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transmission system comprising a power transmitting module with two inverter circuits and coils, and a power receiving module with corresponding reception coils, where the power transmission control circuit maintains control of the second inverter circuit even when the emergency stop switch is activated, ensuring continuous power supply to the load control circuit and enabling swift system resumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wired power transmission is used in robotic systems with movable sections, then power can be supplied to motors and control circuits, but cable snagging occurs and range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power transmission system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The transmitting coil and receiving coil establish an electromagnetic coupling to transfer power without physical contact, eliminating cable snagging and expanding the robot's range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from the mechanical cable system and implements it separately through wireless electromagnetic induction. This separates the power supply function from the mechanical movement constraints, allowing the robot to move freely without cable restrictions.
2Reliability
If multiple cables are used for power supply to motors and control circuits, then power can be delivered to all components, but cables are damaged by repetitive bending and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable system with a wireless electromagnetic power transmission system. The transmitting coil generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the receiving coil, transferring power without physical cables. This eliminates cable bending damage and improves system reliability and work efficiency.
3Reliability
If emergency stop switch is activated to stop power supply, then safety is improved, but control circuit power is interrupted causing prolonged restart time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system into independent controllable channels: a first inverter circuit for motor power supply and a second inverter circuit for control circuit power supply. The emergency stop switch only interrupts the first inverter circuit, while the second inverter circuit remains active to maintain control circuit operation, enabling rapid system restart.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the control circuit power supply in advance through the second inverter circuit, even when the emergency stop is activated. This preliminary maintenance of control power allows the control circuit to remain ready and responsive, reducing restart time after emergency stop.
4Reliability
If single inverter circuit is used for power supply, then device complexity is reduced, but control circuit power cannot be maintained during emergency stop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into two independent inverter circuits: the first inverter circuit supplies power to motors through the transmitting coil, and the second inverter circuit supplies power to control circuits. This segmentation allows independent control of power channels, enabling the control circuit to maintain power during emergency stop while adding manageable system complexity.
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 enhances work efficiency by eliminating cable-related issues and allowing for rapid system restarts after emergency stops, maintaining control circuit power supply and reducing downtime in robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first inverter circuit which is connected to a power source via a switch, and which converts supplied electric power into first AC power and outputs the first AC power
Implementation Method 2
a first transmission coil which is connected to the first inverter circuit, and which sends out the first AC power
Implementation Method 3
a first reception coil which is opposed to the first transmission coil, and which receives at least a portion of the first AC power
Implementation Method 4
a second inverter circuit which is connected to the power source or another power source not via the switch, and which converts supplied electric power into second AC power and outputs the second AC power
Implementation Method 5
a second transmission coil which is connected to the second inverter circuit, and which sends out the second AC power
Implementation Method 6
a second reception coil which is opposed to the second transmission coil, and which receives at least a portion of the second AC power
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power feeding unit includes a power transmitting module and a power receiving module. The power transmitting module includes: a first inverter circuit which is connected to a power source via a switch; a first transmission coil connected to the first inverter circuit; a second inverter circuit which is connected to the power source or another power source not via the switch; a second transmission coil which is connected to the second inverter circuit; and a power transmission control circuit which controls the first and second inverter circuits. The power receiving module includes a first reception coil opposed to the first transmission coil and a second reception coil opposed to the second transmission coil. During operation of the first and second inverter circuits, even while supply of power to the first inverter circuit is stopped, the power transmission control circuit maintains control of the second inverter circuit.