Interchangeable Robot Batteries for Simultaneous Swap and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robots in storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies due to the time required for battery module recharging and replacement, leading to periods of inoperability, which affects storage and retrieval tasks in warehouse settings.
Innovation Solution
A robot with a dual battery compartment chassis that allows simultaneous exchange of depleted and charged battery modules with a charging station, minimizing downtime by enabling quick battery swaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robot uses a single battery module that needs recharging, then the robot can maintain continuous operation, but the robot experiences downtime during battery recharging which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple battery modules (first battery module and second battery module) that can be independently exchanged. This allows one battery to be used while another is charged, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second battery module is pre-charged before being needed. When the first battery module depletes, the already-charged second module is immediately swapped in, eliminating waiting time for charging and maintaining productivity.
2Productivity
If a robot uses a single battery module with quick swap capability, then the robot can reduce downtime, but the device complexity increases due to multiple battery compartments and swap mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The battery chassis is divided into separate compartments (first battery compartment and second battery compartment) that can independently hold and exchange battery modules. This modular structure simplifies the swap mechanism while enabling continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery swap system is designed to be autonomously exchangeable between the robot and charging station without requiring complex manual intervention or sophisticated control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of time
If a robot simultaneously exchanges two battery modules with a charging station, then the robot minimizes inoperability time, but the charging station complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is segmented into multiple charging terminals (first charging terminal and second charging terminal), each capable of independently charging a battery module. This parallel architecture enables simultaneous battery exchange while keeping each terminal relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple charging terminals are combined into a single charging station unit, allowing the robot to access multiple charged battery modules simultaneously. This consolidates the complexity into one station while enabling efficient battery exchange.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A robot with rechargeable and interchangeable batteries. The robot includes a body coupled to a wheel assembly, the wheel assembly including a plurality of wheels and a drive mechanism arranged to move the body along a first set of parallel rails extending in a first direction and a second set of parallel rails extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The body has a chassis defining a first battery compartment and a second battery compartments with a first battery module disposed within the first battery compartment. When the chassis engages with a charging station, the chassis is arranged to release the first battery module from the first battery compartment and receive a second battery module within the second battery compartment. The robot is thus designed to simultaneously swap a depleted first battery module with a charged second battery module and quickly return to operation.