Wireless Humanoid Robot Charging Coil Layout Without Contact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot charging methods require physical contact, which can lead to circuit malfunctions due to short circuits and require precise alignment, making them unsuitable for humanoid robots that can walk on two legs.
Innovation Solution
A robot charging apparatus that uses wireless power transmission by mounting a transmitting coil in a charging body that moves and positions itself according to the robot's legs, which have receiving coils, to couple a magnetic field and charge the robot's battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless charging is implemented by mounting a transmitter on a wall or floor, then contactless charging is achieved, but the charging system becomes exposed and electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic shield as an intermediary component between the transmitting coil and receiving coils. This shield mediates the magnetic field interaction while blocking external electromagnetic interference, thus protecting the charging system from harmful electromagnetic factors while maintaining wireless charging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitting coil and receiving coils are nested within a magnetic shield structure. The receiving coils are positioned between the transmitting coil and the magnetic shield, creating a nested configuration that contains the electromagnetic field within a protected space, reducing external interference while maintaining charging efficiency
2Power
If contact-based charging is used, then stable power transmission is achieved, but the contact points are exposed causing circuit malfunctions due to short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based charging system with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. This substitution eliminates the need for exposed contact points that cause short circuits, while maintaining stable power transmission through magnetic field coupling between coils
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic shield acts as an intermediary that contains and directs the magnetic field, ensuring stable power transmission from the transmitting coil to the receiving coils while preventing external electromagnetic interference and potential short circuits
3Power
If contact-based charging is used, then power can be transmitted, but precise alignment of contact points is required making it unsuitable for walking robots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable magnetic shield that can dynamically adjust its position to track and follow the receiving coils on the robot's legs. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal magnetic field coupling without requiring precise static alignment, enabling power transmission to moving robots
Solution Approach 2:
The movable magnetic shield serves as a dynamic intermediary that actively maintains the magnetic field connection between the fixed transmitting coil and the moving receiving coils, compensating for position changes and eliminating the need for precise alignment
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 wireless charging of humanoid robots without exposing the charging system, reducing electromagnetic interference, and allowing for a more compact and efficient charging solution.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting coil (106) installed in a charging body (201) that interacts with the robot (101) and is moved and provided according to a position of the robot (101)
Implementation Method 2
when a strong magnetic field occurs in the transmitting coil provided at the center, coupling the magnetic field to the receiving coils provided on the left and the right
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a robot charging apparatus to wirelessly charge a robot capable of walking, which includes a plurality of receiving coils fixed to legs of a robot and a transmitting coil moved and provided according to a position of the robot and wirelessly charges the robot in such a manner that the transmitting coil is provided between the plurality of receiving coils and coupled to the receiving coils by a magnetic field output from the transmitting coil.