Inductive Coil Coupling Across a Rotating Robotic Accessory Interface

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic devices require mechanical fasteners to connect accessories, which can be cumbersome and limit the versatility and stability of the device's movement.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic coupling and inductive alignment between a self-propelled robotic device and its accessories, allowing for stable attachment without mechanical fasteners, using magnets and inductive coils to maintain communication and power transfer during movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical fasteners are used to connect accessories to robotic devices, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems with magnetic coupling mechanisms. Magnets embedded in the robotic device housing attract and hold accessory components without requiring screws, clips, or other mechanical fasteners. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining secure attachment during device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If mechanical fasteners are used to connect accessories, then the attachment stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidaccessory attachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems with magnetic coupling mechanisms. Magnets embedded in the robotic device housing attract and hold accessory components without requiring screws, clips, or other mechanical fasteners. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining secure attachment during device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If mechanical fasteners are used for accessory connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidaccessory attachment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems with magnetic coupling mechanisms. Magnets embedded in the robotic device housing attract and hold accessory components without requiring screws, clips, or other mechanical fasteners. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining secure attachment during device operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables stable and friction-reduced attachment of accessories to robotic devices, allowing for versatile movement and efficient wireless power and data transfer without the need for mechanical connections.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil disposed in the first body and a second coil disposed in the second body, wherein the first coil and the second coil are inductively coupled

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first magnet disposed in the first body and a second magnet disposed in the second body, wherein the first magnet and second magnet magnetically engage to retain the first body in proximity to the second body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20260042233A1Inductive coupling across a moving boundary of a mobile device

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 SPHERO INC

AI summary

A method of inductively coupling a first body and a second body is provided, wherein the first body rotates relative to the second body. During rotation, alignment is maintained between a first and second coil. Signals are sent and received between the coils.