Robot Battery Deep Sleep Mode for Long-Term Storage Without Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household robots, such as autonomous vacuuming and mopping robots, experience significant battery discharge over time due to the high energy requirements of their battery management systems, leading to battery damage and reduced functionality when stored or not in use.
Innovation Solution
A deep sleep-capable battery management system that can be set into a low-power mode without using the robot's battery energy, utilizing an auxiliary battery or external power source to generate wake-up signals, preventing accidental discharge and allowing for controlled activation and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery manager performs complex monitoring tasks to ensure battery safety and functionality, then the reliability of the battery system is improved, but the energy consumption increases causing significant battery discharge during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting the battery manager into a deep sleep mode before long-term storage begins. This pre-action reduces the battery's energy consumption to minimal levels during storage periods, preventing significant discharge while maintaining the ability to quickly resume full monitoring functions when the robot is next used. The system proactively transitions to low-power state rather than reacting to discharge issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the battery manager's operational state adjustable between full monitoring mode and deep sleep mode. This dynamic transition allows the system to adapt its energy consumption characteristics based on usage conditions - maintaining high reliability during active use while minimizing energy drain during storage periods. The flexible state change capability resolves the contradiction between continuous monitoring and energy conservation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery manager continuously monitors the battery to prevent damage, then the battery protection is improved, but the self-discharge rate increases during non-use periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a deep sleep mode that dramatically reduces monitoring frequency during storage periods. Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs minimal essential checks at extended intervals or only when wake-up events occur (such as attempting to use the robot). This periodic approach maintains sufficient battery protection while reducing self-discharge losses during non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by altering the operational parameters of the battery manager during storage - specifically transitioning from continuous monitoring mode to deep sleep mode with reduced monitoring intensity. This parameter change allows the system to maintain adequate battery protection at significantly lower energy consumption levels during storage, resolving the contradiction between protection and self-discharge.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the robot is stored for lengthy periods after production, then the battery has time to self-discharge, but the battery manager continues to consume energy causing full discharge and potential battery damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the battery manager to automatically enter deep sleep mode when detecting that the robot is in storage condition (not in use). This pre-emptive state change occurs before significant discharge can occur, allowing the system to endure lengthy storage periods without risking battery damage. The minimal energy consumption in deep sleep mode sustains basic functionality throughout extended storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the battery manager to dynamically adjust its operational state based on usage patterns. During lengthy storage periods, the system transitions to deep sleep mode to preserve battery charge, yet maintains the capability to quickly resume full functionality when the robot is next activated. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliability is maintained across varying storage durations.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot contains a battery module which has a battery and a battery manager managing the battery. The battery manager is configured to set the battery module into a deep sleep mode upon receiving a sleep signal and to terminate the deep sleep mode upon receiving a wake-up signal. The robot is configured to generate the wake-up signal without the use of energy from the battery. A robot arrangement contains the robot and a charging station for the robot which has a counter-interface for providing the electrical energy. The robot can be coupled to the charging station such that the interface can be supplied with the electrical energy from the counter-interface. In a method for operating a robot or the robot arrangement, the wake-up signal is generated without the use of energy from the battery.