Multi-Robot Wireless Charging Station with Moving Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot charging systems are inconvenient for simultaneous charging of multiple robots, require constant detection of infrared signals, and lack control before and after charging, limiting their autonomy and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A charging system controlled by a server that allows robots to self-drive to a charging station equipped with a power supply coil and moving rail for wireless charging, enabling simultaneous charging of multiple robots while also providing sterilization and autonomous movement to designated locations based on user boarding information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a docking-based charging system is used, then charging can be performed, but only one robot can be charged at a time and simultaneous charging of multiple robots is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcharging system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into multiple independent charging units arranged in an array. Each charging unit can independently charge one robot, allowing multiple robots to be charged simultaneously. This segmentation transforms a single-point charging system into a multi-point parallel charging system, directly resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging stations are arranged in a spatial array configuration, transitioning from a single linear docking point to a two-dimensional array of charging units. This spatial dimensionality change enables multiple robots to access charging units simultaneously from different positions, solving the limitation of single-robot charging while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Extent of automation

If infrared signal detection is used for charging guidance, then robots can be guided to charging stations, but constant detection is inconvenient and requires continuous monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous charging guidanceVSAvoiddetection operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Charging stations emit infrared signals continuously in advance before robots arrive. Robots detect these pre-emitted signals to navigate to charging stations, eliminating the need for constant active detection during operation. This preliminary signal emission enables autonomous guidance while simplifying operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system enables robots to autonomously navigate to charging stations using infrared signal detection without requiring constant human monitoring or intervention. The robots self-guide to charging positions based on detected infrared signals, achieving autonomous charging guidance while reducing operational burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If traditional charging systems are used, then charging can be performed, but control before and after charging is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging control automationVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system incorporates feedback mechanisms where charging stations and robots exchange status information through communication modules. The system receives charging status signals from robots and provides control commands, enabling automated pre-charging preparation, charging execution, and post-charging operations. This feedback loop achieves comprehensive charging control while managing system complexity through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient, simultaneous charging of multiple robots with autonomous movement and sterilization, improving the convenience and efficiency of the charging process by using a server-controlled system with wireless power supply and moving rail technology.

Implementation Method 1

the charging station provided with a power supply coil to wirelessly supply the power source to the robot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless power supply: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

provided with a moving rail on a top of the power supply coil to sequentially charge a plurality of robots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Data Source

PatentUS11511634B2Charging system for robot and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A robot charging system and a control method thereof are provided to determine a charged state and charge a robot through self-driving. The robot charging system includes: a server configured to store boarding information of a user; a robot configured to receive the boarding information from the server, move the user to a destination included in the boarding information by self-driving using charged power, determine a discharge of the power, and move to a charging station for charging; and the charging station provided with a power supply coil to wirelessly supply the power source to the robot, and provided with a moving rail on a top of the power supply coil to sequentially charge a plurality of robots.