Removable Battery Cradle Interface for Easier Robot Battery Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot battery assemblies require time-consuming and costly disassembly for repairs or replacements due to their integration within the robot, hindering independent development and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A battery cradle system that allows for removable coupling of batteries of varying shapes and sizes to a robot, decoupling the robot and battery interface from the charger interface, enabling independent development and facilitating easier replacements and repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the battery assembly is integrated directly within the robot, then the robot has a compact structure, but it becomes time-consuming and costly to repair or replace battery components
Solution Approach 1:
The battery assembly is divided into a battery cradle portion and a battery portion that can be independently separated. The cradle remains with the robot while the battery can be removed and replaced independently, enabling easy maintenance without disassembling the entire robot structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is extracted from direct integration with the robot chassis and placed in a removable cradle. This allows the battery to be taken out for replacement or repair while the robot remains operational, significantly reducing maintenance downtime.
2Device complexity
If the battery assembly is integrated directly within the robot, then the structure is compact, but technological improvements require complete disassembly of the robot
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cradle system is designed to be dynamically upgradable. The cradle interface remains standardized while the battery portion can be updated to new technologies without modifying the robot's core structure, allowing continuous technological improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different battery types and configurations. This allows the same cradle to work with various battery technologies as they evolve, providing long-term adaptability.
3Ease of repair
If small battery parts need replacing, then the battery can be maintained, but the integrated structure requires disassembling the entire robot
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is pre-configured in a removable cradle that is already detached from the robot's main structure. This preliminary separation means that when battery parts need replacement, technicians only need to access the battery within the cradle, not disassemble the entire robot.
4Device complexity
If the battery and charger interfaces are integrated, then the system is unified, but independent development of components is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle serves as an intermediary component between the robot and the battery. It provides a standardized interface that decouples the robot's charging system from the battery's physical structure, allowing independent development and optimization of each component without affecting the other.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removably coupling a battery assembly to a robot or charging system is provided herein. The system can include a cradle body, one or more connectors, and one or more charging interfaces. The cradle body can removably couple to and support a battery of varying shapes and sizes. The cradle body can wrap around at least a portion of the battery. The one or more connectors can be attached to the cradle body to releasably engage corresponding connectors of a robot when the battery assembly is coupled to the robot. The one or more charging interfaces can be attached to the cradle body via which power is provided to the battery to charge the battery.