Mobile robot docking systems and methods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems require significant human intervention for tasks like refueling and servicing, which hinders autonomous operation and increases operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot system with a docking station and a mobile robot that includes a platform with raised charging contacts and ramps, allowing the robot to autonomously dock and charge while lifting its cleaning module over the charging contacts to prevent damage, enabling efficient and autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the robot autonomously docks with the charging contacts, then operational autonomy is improved, but the cleaning module may damage the charging contacts during docking
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp features create a vertical dimension for the cleaning module to clear during horizontal docking movement. As the robot drives onto the platform, the cleaning module rides up the ramps, transitioning from a horizontal path to a vertical clearance path, then back down, ensuring the charging contacts are never contacted by the cleaning module while maintaining autonomous docking
Solution Approach 2:
The ramps act as an intermediary mechanism between the robot's docking movement and the cleaning module. Instead of directly guiding the cleaning module through complex mechanical linkages, the ramps provide a simple geometric interface that passively lifts and lowers the cleaning module based on the robot's horizontal motion, protecting the charging contacts without requiring active control
2Productivity
If the cleaning module extends below the robot housing for effective cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but the cleaning module interferes with charging contact engagement during docking
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning module transitions from a static, fixed position to a dynamic, movable position that changes during docking. The module is designed to move vertically in response to the robot's horizontal motion on the ramps, extending below the housing during cleaning operations but clearing above the charging contacts during docking, thus adapting its position based on operational context
3Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used for robot refueling and servicing, then operational control is improved, but human intervention requirements increase operational costs and reduce autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station provides self-service functionality for the robot, automatically performing charging and maintenance tasks without human intervention. The autonomous docking mechanism enables the robot to independently return to the station, align with charging contacts, and receive power, eliminating the need for manual refueling or servicing operations
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot system includes a docking station and a mobile robot. The docking station includes a platform, first and second charging contacts on the platform, and first and second ramp features on the platform. The robot includes a housing, first and second drive wheels, first and second raised charging contacts on a bottom of the housing, and a cleaning module including at least one rotatable cleaning head that extends below the bottom of the housing. The robot is movable from an approach position with the robot spaced apart from a front of the platform to a docked position with the robot on the platform and the docking station charging contacts engaged with the robot charging contacts. As the robot moves from the approach position to the docked position, the robot engages the first and second ramp features and the cleaning mechanism is lifted over the docking station charging contacts.