Floating Interface Plate for Robotic Charging Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic charging systems face challenges in aligning charging connectors with mating connectors efficiently, particularly when the robot docks at an angle or with slight misalignment, leading to suboptimal charging connections.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning robotic charging dock interface system featuring a floating interface assembly with a sliding surface and a low-friction floating interface plate that translates, rotates, or rocks to align the charging connector with the mating connector, utilizing materials like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and acetal, and adjustable tension fasteners to ensure precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot docks at an angle or with misalignment, then the docking process becomes more flexible and easier to operate, but the alignment precision between charging connector and mating connector deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating interface plate is designed to be dynamically movable rather than fixed, allowing it to translate, rotate, and rock to accommodate misalignment between the charging connector and mating connector during docking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the floating interface plate through mechanical movement, transforming from a fixed position to a dynamically adjusted position that achieves proper alignment despite initial misalignment
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed rigid interface is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate misalignment and achieve proper connector alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating interface plate introduces dynamic movement capability to an otherwise stable interface structure, enabling the system to maintain stability while adapting to misalignment through controlled translation, rotation, and rocking motions
Solution Approach 2:
The interface assembly is segmented into the floating interface plate and the fixed dock structure, allowing the floating plate to independently move and accommodate misalignment while the main structure remains stable
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
The system ensures robust and optimized charging connections by accommodating misalignments, providing a snug fit between the charging and mating connectors, even when the robot docks at an angle, thereby enhancing charging efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a low-friction floating interface plate that translates, rotates, or rocks to align the charging connector with the mating connector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for aligning a robotic charging connector with a mating connector includes: a robot comprising a charging connector; a self-aligning robotic charging dock comprising a floating interface assembly, the floating interface assembly comprising a floating interface plate, the floating interface assembly further comprising a mating connector, the mating connector configured to snugly mate with the charging connector, the floating interface assembly further comprising a floating interface configured to align the robotic charging connector with the mating connector, the floating interface comprising a sliding surface configured to move against the floating interface plate as the robot docks with the robotic charging dock.