Illuminated Charge Connector Docking for Low-Light Mobile Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) face challenges in accurately docking with charging stations in low or no light conditions due to insufficient accuracy of Lidar navigation and dimmed or dark warehouse environments, which hinders reliable charging operations.
Innovation Solution
A robot charging dock with a charge connector frame featuring a light source, such as LEDs or light pipes, positioned along the edges of the front surface, illuminating the charge connector through an aperture in the front cover to enhance visibility for the robot's vision system during low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Lidar is used as the primary navigation sensor for autonomous mobile robots, then the robot can navigate autonomously, but the docking accuracy at charging stations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into two functional parts: Lidar for general navigation and vision system for precise docking. This allows each sensor to perform its specialized function without requiring one sensor to excel at both tasks, thereby improving overall docking accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vision system acts as an intermediary between the Lidar navigation and the final docking action. The vision system processes visual information to provide precise positioning data that complements the Lidar's navigation capabilities, enabling accurate docking at the charging station
2Reliability
If facility lighting is dimmed or dark during overnight periods, then energy is saved, but the robot's vision system cannot accurately locate and mate with the charge connector
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing general ambient lighting throughout the facility, the invention provides localized illumination specifically at the charge connector area. This localized lighting ensures the vision system can accurately locate and mate with the charge connector while leaving the rest of the facility dimmed or dark for energy savings
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the dark environment and the vision system's requirement for light. By providing targeted illumination at the docking area, it enables the vision system to function effectively without requiring overall facility lighting
3Reliability
If a light source is added to illuminate the charge connector, then the robot's vision system can accurately dock in low light, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is merged with the existing charge connector housing structure. The illumination device is integrated into the housing that already contains the charge connector, combining two functions (illumination and connector housing) into a single integrated component, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the charge connector, provides structural support, and houses the illumination device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining docking reliability
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 illumination provides adequate contrast for the robot's vision system to accurately dock with the charging station, ensuring reliable charging operations without interfering with the mating process or being obtrusive under normal lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A robot charging dock with a charge connector frame featuring a light source, such as LEDs or light pipes
Data Source
AI summary
Robot charging dock includes a charge connector configured to mate with a charging port of a mobile robot. There is a charge connector frame having a front surface on which the charge connector is mounted. The front surface has a first side edge and a second side edge. There is a front cover disposed over the charge connector frame which has an aperture through which the charge connector protrudes. At least a portion of the front cover is spaced from the front surface of the charge connector frame, defining an internal region. There is an opening to the internal region formed along at least a portion of a perimeter of the aperture and there is a light source disposed in the internal region. The light source is directed toward the opening to allow the light source to illuminate charge connector.