Autonomous Mobile Docking Interface With Magnetic Locking and Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking systems for autonomous mobile devices often experience looseness and separation, leading to potential damage and safety hazards due to loose connections and gaps during docking.
Innovation Solution
A docking device utilizing magnetic fixation and physical contact fixation, combined with a driving mechanism, to ensure a robust and sealed connection between autonomous mobile devices, using armatures, claws, and locking portions to maintain a stable docked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If magnetic fixation alone is used for docking, then the docking process is simple, but the connection becomes loose and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic fixation and physical contact fixation into a unified docking mechanism. The magnetic attraction force draws the autonomous mobile device toward the docking station, while physical contact elements (claws, locking portions) engage to maintain a stable and reliable connection, preventing loosening during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: magnetic fixation elements for initial attraction and alignment, and physical contact elements (claws, locking portions) for secure engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to achieve reliable docking.
2Reliability
If physical contact fixation is used, then the connection is stable, but gaps and looseness occur at contact portions
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic fixation acts as a preliminary action that draws the autonomous mobile device into close proximity with the docking station before physical contact occurs. This preliminary magnetic attraction ensures proper alignment and minimizes gaps when the physical contact elements engage, preventing looseness at the contact portions.
3Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are added, then docking stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges magnetic fixation and physical contact fixation into a single integrated docking interface. This combination achieves high docking stability through the synergistic effect of magnetic attraction and mechanical locking, without requiring separate complex locking mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: magnetic elements provide attraction and alignment, while physical contact elements provide secure locking and gap prevention. This multi-functionality achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as both functions are integrated into a unified structure.
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 solution provides a stable and secure docking mechanism that prevents looseness and seals the contact portions, ensuring reliable connection and reducing power consumption while enhancing the usability and safety of autonomous mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first locking portion disposed in a second portion of the docking apparatus and configured to be fixed to the armature by forming a magnetic field when in contact with the armature
Data Source
AI summary
A docking device for docking an autonomous mobile device maintains a robust docked state by combining a magnetic fixation and a physical contact fixation. Furthermore, looseness is prevented from occurring while the autonomous mobile device is docked, and the contact portions of two portions are sealed to prevent the occurrence of a gap during docking.