Resonant Wireless Charging for Robot Cleaners Without Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaning systems require direct connection to a docking station for charging, which can lead to inaccurate docking and unsuccessful charging if not done correctly.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaning system that uses a wireless power transmitter to wirelessly charge the robot cleaner, employing electromagnetic induction, radio wave reception, or resonance schemes, allowing the robot cleaner to detect the transmitter's location and move towards it for charging when the battery level is low, while simultaneously operating in a cleaning mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct connection to docking station is used for charging, then charging function is provided, but docking accuracy is required and operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct connection system with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic induction. The power transmitter generates power wirelessly and the power receiver receives it without physical contact, eliminating the need for precise docking alignment while maintaining charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless power transmission as an intermediary between the power source and the robot cleaner. Instead of direct electrical connection, power is transmitted through electromagnetic fields, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for physical docking
2Reliability
If direct connection docking is used, then battery charging is achieved, but docking inaccuracy leads to charging failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical docking system with wireless power transmission using electromagnetic induction. This substitution eliminates the need for precise positioning and alignment, thereby improving charging reliability without requiring high measurement precision for docking
3Reliability
If robot cleaner moves to charge battery, then charging is performed, but cleaning operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the robot cleaner to perform cleaning operations and receive power wirelessly simultaneously. The wireless power transmission occurs throughout the operating area, so the cleaner can move freely and charge continuously without interrupting cleaning tasks
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 and accurate battery charging without the need for direct connection, ensuring continuous operation by integrating charging functionality into the cleaning process, enhancing the robot's autonomy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless power transmitter may transmit the generated power based on at least one of an electromagnetic induction scheme, a radio wave reception scheme, and a resonance scheme
Implementation Method 2
a source resonator to transmit, to a target resonator, the generated power by energy-coupling with the target resonator of the robot cleaner
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a wirelessly charged robot cleaning system and a method for wirelessly charging a robot cleaner. The wirelessly charged robot may include a target resonator to receive a resonance power through energy-coupling with a source resonator of a wireless power transmitter, a wireless power receiving unit to convert the received resonance power into a rated voltage, and a battery controller to check the remaining capacity of the battery based and to charge the battery.