Mobile robot with battery discharge-preventing performance and method for controlling the same

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile robots can become stuck in a non-movement state due to sensor errors or program faults, leading to unexpected battery discharge when no one is present to intervene, especially for larger and heavier robots that cannot be easily moved to a charging station.

Innovation Solution

A mobile robot with a control unit that moves to a charging station based on battery residual levels, blocking power supply to critical components when the battery reaches a low level to prevent complete discharge, using a power control unit with switches and a capacitor to manage power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile robot is too big and heavy to be held by a person, then the robot can perform more complex tasks and have greater operational capability, but it becomes very difficult and troubled to move the robot to the charging station when it is stuck in a non-movement state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational capabilityVSAvoidease of moving to charging station
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile robot autonomously moves itself to the charging station by detecting its own position and navigation capabilities, eliminating the need for manual intervention to move the robot when it is stuck. The control unit enables the robot to independently execute movement commands and reach the charging station without human assistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the mobile robot remains in an active state continuously, then the robot can respond to commands and perform tasks, but the battery may be completely discharged due to continuous standby power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidbattery discharge rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power control unit dynamically adjusts the power supply state based on battery residual level thresholds. When the battery reaches a critical low level, the system automatically transitions to a power-saving mode by blocking power supply to non-critical components, thereby extending battery life while maintaining basic operational responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power supply parameter (power on/off state) based on the battery residual level. By monitoring the battery charge level and adjusting the power supply state accordingly, the system optimizes energy consumption and prevents complete battery discharge while maintaining operational capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If the mobile robot is periodically moved to charging station for recharging, then the battery can be recharged and operational duration extended, but the robot may abnormally maintain a movement stopped state due to sensor errors or program faults

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational durationVSAvoidmovement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the robot's operational state and battery level, providing feedback to adjust behavior. When the robot detects it is in a non-movement state or battery level is low, the system automatically initiates appropriate responses such as moving to the charging station, ensuring reliable operation and preventing prolonged stagnation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by proactively moving to the charging station before the battery is completely discharged. By monitoring battery levels and initiating recharging cycles in advance, the system prevents complete battery discharge and maintains operational capability, addressing the reliability issue before it becomes critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260061593A1Mobile robot with battery discharge-preventing performance and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2026.03.05 WONIK ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • US20260061593A1 patent drawing
  • US20260061593A1 patent drawing
  • US20260061593A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mobile robot with battery discharge-preventing performance, comprising: a main body; and a control unit for controlling motion of a driving member that moves the main body by a power stored in a battery, wherein the control unit moves the main body to the charging station using the driving member in order to charge the battery depending on a second residual level of the battery, wherein power supply of the battery to the control unit is blocked depending on a first residual level of the battery, and the second residual level is higher than the first residual level.