Mobile Robot Connection System for Moving Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for establishing temporary connections between movable objects are inefficient, particularly in scenarios where objects move unpredictably and require high-power energy transfer within limited time frames, such as in public transport and sea locks.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a mobile robot and sensor-control system to continuously adjust and maintain a temporary connection between movable objects, allowing for energy and medium transfer while the objects are in motion, using robots with multiple axes of movement and sensors for precise positioning and coordination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connection is established only after objects reach a stable position, then connection stability is improved, but energy transfer efficiency deteriorates due to limited charging time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidenergy transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot establishes the connection between the objects before they reach their final stable position. By performing the connection action in advance during the movement phase, the system maximizes the available time for energy transfer while ensuring connection stability through continuous positional control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static connection model (where objects must be stationary) to a dynamic connection model. The robot continuously adjusts the connecting means position during object movement, enabling connection establishment and maintenance throughout the movement phase, thereby extending energy transfer time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a robot with multiple axes of movement is used to continuously adjust connecting means position, then connection establishment flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment flexibilityVSAvoidrobot system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system with multiple axes of movement serves multiple functions: it positions the connecting means, maintains connection during object movement, and adapts to different object trajectories. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing versatile connection capabilities across various movement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor means to continuously detect object positions and feeds this information back to the control means. The control means processes this feedback and adjusts the robot's connecting means position in real-time, enabling adaptive connection maintenance despite the increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3107802B1Method for establishing a temporary connection between two movable objects
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3107802B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3107802B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3107802B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Device (100) for achieving a temporary connection between two objects (101,102) which are movable relative to each other, comprising • respective connecting means (114,154), being brought together in order to jointly establish said connection, • a movable robot (110), arranged to continuously displace the first connecting means relative to the first object, • a control means (120), arranged to control the movements of the robot relative to the first object, as well as • a sensor means (130), arranged to continuously read a relative position between the first connecting means and the second connecting means while the said objects move relative to each other. The invention is characterised in that the control means is arranged to, while the objects move relative to each other, continuously control the robot so that the first connecting means is displaced, relative to the first object and up to the second connecting means, and there connects to the second connecting means. The invention also relates to a method.