Overhead Charging Connector Layout for Drive-Through Robotic Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional robotic work tool charging stations are inadequate for larger, more advanced robotic tools as they are cumbersome, obstruct the path, cause lawn wear, and require complex alignment, making them unsuitable for evolved robotic systems operating in rough and dirty environments.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool system featuring a charging station with two charging connectors arranged on a supporting structure that extends over the robotic work tool, allowing it to drive through for charging without reversing, reducing the size and weight of the station, and incorporating a collector shoe gear for self-cleaning and accommodating variance in height and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional drive-in charging stations are used for larger robotic work tools, then the robotic tool can be charged, but the charging station becomes too heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the robotic tool driving into a stationary charging station from the front, the charging station is inverted to extend over the tool and make contact from above. This allows the tool to drive through the station without reversing, eliminating the need for heavy traditional station structures while maintaining reliable charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging contacts are positioned in a vertical dimension extending over the robotic tool rather than horizontally at ground level. This dimensional change allows the charging station to be lightweight and non-obstructive while still establishing reliable electrical contact during the tool's normal operation.
2Reliability
If traditional charging stations are used, then charging can be performed, but the station blocks the travel path of the robotic work tool
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is inverted from a ground-level barrier to an overhead structure that extends over the robotic tool. This allows the tool to drive through the station's footprint without obstruction, maintaining full travel path access while enabling charging function.
3Reliability
If traditional charging stations are used, then charging is possible, but lawn wear is caused in the area surrounding the service station
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the charging station to extend overhead rather than sitting on the ground, the design eliminates concentrated pressure points on the lawn. The robotic tool drives through the station's footprint without obstruction, distributing any impact across the entire work area rather than concentrating wear at the station location.
4Reliability
If traditional charging stations are used, then charging can be performed, but complex alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is designed so that the robotic tool automatically establishes electrical contact with the overhead charging station during its normal drive-through operation. The tool's own movement and positioning mechanisms serve the charging function without requiring separate alignment procedures or complex positioning systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic work tool system, comprising a charging station and a robotic work tool, said robotic work tool comprising two charging connectors arranged on an upper side of the robotic work tool and said charging station comprising two charging connectors and a supporting structure arranged to carry said charging connectors and to extend over and above said robotic work tool as the robotic work tool enters the charging station for establishing electrical contact between the charging connectors of the robotic work tool and the charging connectors of the charging station from above, wherein said supporting structure is arranged to allow the robotic work tool exit the charging station by driving through the charging station without reversing.