Robot Charging Apparatus Force Transmission to Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems for establishing a charging connection between a charging device and an energy storage unit of a motor vehicle are often complex, costly, and require substantial structural reinforcement to manage resistance forces during coupling and decoupling, limiting their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A robot apparatus with a movement unit, receptacle device, detection unit, and support device that allows for precise positioning and force transmission to the motor vehicle, enabling a lightweight and cost-effective design by connecting to the vehicle and transmitting forces during coupling and decoupling, using a camera or transponder for accurate positioning and an adjustable chassis for optimal alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the robot apparatus is designed to be mobile and autonomous for automated plugging, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a mobile platform for movement, a detection unit for interface recognition, a gripping mechanism for charging plug manipulation, and a control unit for coordination. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot apparatus is designed with universal components that can handle multiple charging interface types. The detection unit can identify different interface configurations, and the gripping mechanism is adaptable to various plug shapes, enabling a single robot system to perform automated plugging across different vehicle types without requiring specialized hardware for each interface standard.
2Weight of moving object
If the robot apparatus is designed as lightweight and cost-effective, then the weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the ability to manage resistance forces during coupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robot apparatus introduces a force transmission mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the lightweight robot structure and the charging interface. This mechanism includes a forceful insertion capability that can generate sufficient coupling force temporarily during the plugging operation, then transitions to a lighter support mode once connected, allowing the robot to remain lightweight while still managing resistance forces effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot apparatus employs dynamic force management where the gripping mechanism and insertion mechanism can vary their applied force based on real-time feedback from sensors. During the initial coupling phase, higher forces are applied to overcome resistance, and once connected, the force is reduced to maintenance levels, allowing the lightweight structure to suffice.
3Measurement precision
If the robot apparatus uses detection units for interface identification, then the measurement precision of interface position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot apparatus replaces complex mechanical detection systems with optical or electromagnetic sensing methods. The detection unit uses cameras or sensors to visually identify and locate charging interfaces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical probes or contact-based detection mechanisms, thereby achieving high measurement precision with reduced structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit creates a digital representation or map of the charging interface location and configuration based on visual or sensor data. This digital copy is then used by the control unit to plan and execute the plugging operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time mechanical adjustments and simplifying the overall detection system while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot apparatus for establishing a charging connection between a charging device and an energy storage unit of a motor vehicle, having a movement unit, by which the robot apparatus is movable in relation to the charging device and the motor vehicle, having a receptacle device, by which a charging element of the charging device can be received, can be coupled to a coupling element of the energy storage unit and subsequently released, and having a detection unit, by which a position of the coupling element on the motor vehicle is ascertainable, wherein the robot apparatus is connectable by a support device to the motor vehicle, whereby a force is transmittable from the robot apparatus to the motor vehicle.