Magnetically-Displacing Charging Station for Robot Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot charging solutions require human intervention, are prone to misalignment issues, and can cause damage due to the use of motive forces, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, especially when robots need to operate in confined spaces.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically-displacing charging interface that uses magnetic forces to correct misalignment and establish connections between a robot's charging port and the charging station, eliminating the need for motive forces and reducing the risk of damage to electrical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid protruding male element and protruding conical guide with female charging interface are used, then connection between robot and charging apparatus can be established, but the charging apparatus must be anchored to a solid surface to prevent movement when robot collides with it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidrelocatability of charging apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical collision-based connection system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the charging interface and robot attract each other to establish connection, eliminating the need for mechanical impact and anchoring the charging apparatus without requiring solid surface attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental interaction parameter from mechanical force to magnetic force. This allows the charging apparatus to be lightweight and easily relocatable while maintaining reliable connection through magnetic attraction between the charging interface and robot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If motive forces are used to connect male element to female charging interface, then connection can be established, but the continual impact can damage the electrodes or prongs of male element or the female charging interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoiddamage to electrical components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical impact with magnetic attraction. The magnets in the charging interface and robot attract each other to establish connection without physical collision, eliminating damage to electrodes and prongs while ensuring reliable connection establishment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If rigid protruding male element or protruding conical guide with female charging interface is placed on the robot, then connection can be established, but the dimensions of the robot change and operation in confined spaces is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidrobot dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces protruding mechanical connectors with embedded magnets that create an invisible magnetic field for connection. This maintains the robot's original dimensions and allows operation in confined spaces while ensuring reliable connection through magnetic attraction.

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 autonomous, safe, and efficient charging and discharging of robots without human intervention, reducing the likelihood of damage and improving operational efficiency by allowing robots to recharge without disrupting their tasks or the environment.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetically-displacing charging interface that uses magnetic forces to correct misalignment and establish connections between a robot's charging port and the charging station

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic forces: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic field then attracts the magnetically-displacing charging interface to the charging port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11135930B2Magnetically-displacing charging station

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 INVIA ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A magnetically-displacing charging station includes a front wall with an opening about its center, and a charging interface with a back wall, at least one support extension, a magnet, and a charging plug. The back wall is disposed behind the front wall and is larger than the opening. The at least one support extension extends through the opening with a proximal end connected to the back wall, and a distal end that extends out in front of the front wall and that retains the magnet and charging plug. The charging station further includes springs connected to the front wall at one end, and to the back wall at an opposite end. The springs provide a default position for the charging interface within the opening, and further provide for a displacement of the charging interface about the opening in response to magnetic or other forces.