Modular Battery Swap System for Mobile Robot Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range and long charge times of mobile robot batteries pose logistical challenges in urban delivery systems, increasing route complexity and reducing efficiency due to the need for batteries to account for their limited power capacity.
Innovation Solution
A system allowing mobile robots to swap depleted batteries with fully charged ones at battery charging stations, enabling continuous operation without waiting for recharge, and incorporating modular components and ancillary devices for efficient battery management and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mobile robots use batteries with limited capacity, then the robots can operate autonomously, but the delivery range is limited and charge times are long
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple replaceable battery units. Instead of using a single large-capacity battery with long charge time, the system divides the power source into modular segments that can be individually replaced. This allows the robot to swap depleted batteries for charged ones, effectively extending the operational range without increasing the capacity of individual battery units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a battery exchange mechanism where depleted batteries are discarded from active service and replaced with charged batteries. The depleted batteries are then recovered at charging stations for recharging, creating a continuous cycle of battery utilization. This principle allows the robot to maintain continuous operation by recovering and reusing battery resources rather than being limited by single-battery capacity.
2Productivity
If mobile robots use batteries with limited capacity, then the robots can operate autonomously, but route complexity increases due to range limitations
Solution Approach 1:
Battery charging stations serve as intermediary infrastructure elements between the robot and its power source. These stations are distributed throughout the delivery area, providing intermediate charging points that extend the effective range. The presence of these intermediaries simplifies route planning because robots can access charging infrastructure along their paths rather than needing to calculate complex routes around battery range limitations.
3Reliability
If mobile robots wait for battery recharging, then batteries can be fully charged, but operational time is lost and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Batteries are pre-charged at charging stations before being installed in robots. Instead of waiting for recharging during operational periods, the system performs the charging action in advance at dedicated charging infrastructure. This preliminary action separates the charging process from the operational timeline, allowing robots to immediately swap to fully charged batteries without experiencing waiting delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery exchange mechanism enables continuous operational action by eliminating idle waiting time. While one battery is being used, another battery can be charged in parallel, and when the first battery depletes, the robot immediately swaps to the pre-charged battery. This continuity principle ensures that the robot's useful action (delivery operations) never中断 due to charging waits, as charging and operation occur simultaneously in different spatial locations.
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
This solution extends the delivery range of mobile robots, enhances operational efficiency by allowing immediate continuation of tasks after battery exchange, and simplifies logistics through coordinated interactions between robots and charging stations.
Implementation Method 1
a battery charging station configured to receive the robot battery from the mobile robot and provide the robot battery to the mobile robot
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for swapping mobile robot batteries on battery charging stations are disclosed herein. An example system may comprise at least one mobile robot, wherein the mobile robot may be optionally coupled to a modular component, and wherein the mobile robot and the modular component may each have robot batteries configured to be detachably removed from the mobile robot and the modular component. An example system may also comprise at least one battery charging station for receiving robot or modular component batteries for charging, and also for providing charged batteries to mobile robots or modular components. Finally, the system may comprise a service provider and a network that may be used to manage data and handle interactions between the mobile robots and the battery charging stations.