Exchangeable Robot Battery Using Feeder Interface Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated power supply systems for mobile robots in SMT production lines are inefficient due to the need for expensive exchange stations and complex mechanisms for battery exchange, and existing solutions either require manual intervention or incur delays and battery life issues with fixed or exchangeable batteries.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automated power supply system using exchangeable batteries with a physical interface similar to feeders/cartridges, allowing mobile robots to exchange batteries without the need for expensive exchange stations, by integrating battery exchange mechanisms with feeder/cartridge exchange systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an automated power supply system using exchangeable batteries is implemented, then operational delays and battery life issues are reduced, but device complexity increases due to integration with feeder/cartridge exchange systems
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot's exchange mechanism is designed to handle both feeder/cartridge exchange and battery exchange using the same physical interface and operational procedure. The battery is integrated as another removable component that can be exchanged during the robot's operation, allowing a single mechanism to serve multiple functions without requiring separate exchange stations or complex additional mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If exchangeable batteries with physical interface similar to feeders/cartridges are used, then the need for expensive exchange stations is eliminated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is designed with the same physical interface, dimensions, and engagement mechanism as the feeder/cartridge components. This homogeneity allows the robot's existing exchange mechanism to handle both types of components using identical procedures and tolerances, eliminating the need for specialized exchange stations while maintaining compatibility with the robot's existing precision requirements.
3Device complexity
If manual battery exchange is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to personnel input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot is equipped with an automated exchange mechanism that can replace its own battery without human intervention. The robot autonomously navigates to the battery exchange station, engages the battery interface, and completes the exchange process, thereby eliminating the need for manual personnel input while maintaining system simplicity through the use of existing exchange mechanisms.
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
This solution provides a flexible, cost-effective, and automated power supply for mobile robots, reducing operational delays and battery life issues, while eliminating the need for complex exchange stations.
Implementation Method 1
a battery adapted for releasable and repeatable engagement with the mobile robot and having a battery-side engagement means configured to releasably and repeatedly engage with an elongate battery track located on the mobile robot
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery for a mobile robot operative to exchange feeders with a placement machine may be exchanged by using a feeder exchange mechanism to transfer a depleted battery from the mobile robot to a battery storage.