Magnetic Robot Charging Dock With Retractable Cable Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging stations for mobile robotic devices are often bulky, aesthetically unpleasing, and have loose cords, lacking efficient and autonomous docking and charging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A charging station with a main housing, signal receiver, electrical plug, and magnetic charging contacts that detect approaching mobile robotic devices using RF signals, extending and retracting a charging cable with magnetic contacts for secure and autonomous charging, and ceasing charging when no longer needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional charging stations are used, then charging function is provided, but the charging station becomes bulky and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is stored within the main housing of the charging station, with the cable reel nested inside the housing structure. This allows the charging station to maintain a compact form factor while still providing full charging functionality through the stored cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable through the opening in the main housing. The cable can extend when needed for charging and retract when not in use, allowing the charging station to adapt its effective size based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If traditional charging stations are used, then charging function is provided, but loose cords are present
Solution Approach 1:
The charging cable is extracted from the main housing through a designated opening only when needed for charging. The cable is not permanently exposed but is instead retrieved on-demand, eliminating the issue of loose cords while maintaining clean aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging cable automatically retracts back into the main housing after use without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the cable state, transitioning from extended to retracted position based on charging status.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous docking is implemented, then charging automation is improved, but signal detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic device transmits its identification signal before physically docking with the charging station. This preliminary signal transmission allows the charging station to prepare for charging in advance, enabling autonomous operation without complex real-time detection during the docking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station uses signal reception as feedback to determine when the mobile robotic device is present and ready for charging. The system continuously monitors for the transmitted signal and automatically initiates charging when the signal is detected, creating a simple yet effective autonomous charging mechanism.
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
Provides a compact, aesthetically improved, and efficient charging solution that autonomously secures and disconnects charging connections, ensuring reliable and convenient charging of mobile robotic devices.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnetic charging contacts corresponding to one or more magnetic charging contacts of the mobile robotic device for charging of the mobile robotic device
Implementation Method 2
a signal receiver coupled to the main housing for receiving signals from a transmitter of the mobile robotic device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a charging station of a mobile robotic device including a main housing with an opening; a signal receiver coupled to the main housing for receiving signals from a transmitter of the mobile robotic device; an electrical plug coupled to the main housing to connect to a power supply; and one or more electrical elements electrically coupling the electrical plug to the charging cable; wherein the charging station detects the mobile robotic device approaching for charging when the mobile robotic device is within a range of the signal receiver of the charging station and the signal receiver of the charging station receives signals transmitted from the transmitter of the mobile robotic device.