Magnetic Charging Head for Autonomous AGV Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery-operated vehicles, particularly automated guided vehicles (AGVs), require efficient and automated charging systems that can operate without human intervention, especially in dynamic warehouse environments where goods are frequently moved and storage is transient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle charging system with a charging interface featuring magnets and charger contacts, controlled by a controller that articulates arms for charging and includes sensors to detect vehicles, manage battery levels, and orchestrate charging schedules using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual charging operation is used for battery-operated AGVs, then human intervention is required which reduces operational efficiency, but automated charging systems increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV autonomously navigates to charging stations and performs self-charging without human intervention. The vehicle's controller manages battery level monitoring, charging station location, and connection establishment, enabling the system to service itself and maintain operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical charging operations with automated electronic control systems. Sensors, controllers, and automated navigation systems substitute for human operators, reducing device complexity in terms of manual intervention while maintaining high productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple AGVs are charged simultaneously at centralized stations, then charging efficiency improves, but travel time for AGVs to reach charging stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure is segmented into multiple distributed charging stations placed throughout the warehouse environment. This allows AGVs to access charging points at various locations rather than traveling to a single centralized station, reducing travel time while maintaining simultaneous charging capability across multiple vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point centralized charging model to a multi-point distributed charging network. By adding spatial distribution across the warehouse floor plan, the system maintains charging efficiency for multiple AGVs while minimizing the distance and time each vehicle must travel to reach a charging station.
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 efficient and automated charging of multiple AGVs by detecting vehicle presence, managing battery levels, and optimizing charging schedules, minimizing human intervention and maximizing operational efficiency in warehouse environments.
Implementation Method 1
a charging interface (154) of the charging station (150), the charging interface (154) including at least one magnet (158)
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle charging system comprises at least one controller and at least one arm, each arm having a first end coupled to an actuator and a second end comprising a charging interface. The actuator is configured to articulate the arm into a charging position. The charging interface comprises at least one charging contact coupled to a power source and configured to engage and deliver power to a vehicle charging interface to charge at least one battery of a vehicle. The charging system can include a plurality of arms, each configured to charge a different vehicle. A method of charging one or more vehicles using the charging system is also provided.