Robot Charging Module with Movable Terminal for Stable Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot charging systems face issues with damage and unstable connections due to the weight of the robot, poor contact, and traveling inertia, leading to inconsistent charging and potential breakage of the charging device.
Innovation Solution
The robot is designed with a charging module that includes terminals with elastic members and a terminal receiving portion, allowing for upward movement and rotation within an internal space, enabling stable contact and connection with the charging station, reducing torque and maintaining balance during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot is positioned on the charging device to be charged, then charging can be performed, but the charging bed may be damaged and broken due to the weight of the robot
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the robot positioning itself on the charging device, the charging module protrudes from the robot to actively seek and contact the charging station. This reverses the traditional docking approach, allowing the robot to connect to the charging station without its full weight being applied to the charging device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging module is extracted as a separate, movable component from the robot body. It protrudes downward to contact the charging station independently, separating the charging function from the robot's main structure and reducing the load on the charging device.
2Reliability
If the robot moves to the charging device, then charging can be performed, but poor contact or other electrical connection between the charging device and the robot may occur due to the traveling of the robot, the relative positioning, and the traveling direction
Solution Approach 1:
The charging module is designed to be movable within its housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation upon contact with the charging station. This dynamic adjustment capability compensates for positioning errors and ensures reliable electrical connection regardless of the robot's approach direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging module can change its spatial parameters (position and orientation) relative to the robot body through movement within the housing. This parameter adjustment enables the charging terminals to align properly with the charging station contacts even when docking precision is imperfect.
3Reliability
If the robot contacts the charging device, then charging can be performed, but the robot may apply a force to the charging device due to traveling inertia, and this force may cause the charging device to fall over or may disrupt a charging connection
Solution Approach 1:
The charging module is extracted as a separate, movable component that can independently absorb impact forces. When the robot contacts the charging station, the movable charging module acts as a buffer, reducing the transmission of impact forces to the charging device structure and preventing it from falling over or disrupting the connection.
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 configuration prevents damage to the charging station, ensures a stable electrical connection, and improves the success rate of charging by allowing the robot to connect safely and accurately with the charging station without applying excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
a charging module (400) coupled to a front end of the supporting plate. The charging module may include a terminal (410, 420) configured to contact the charging station; and a terminal receiving portion (430, 440) inserted in an internal space of the terminal (410, 420). The terminal (410, 420) may be movable. An elastic member (415, 425) may be inserted in the upper portion of the terminal (410, 420) and a lower portion of a terminal cover (450)
Data Source
AI summary
A robot according to an embodiment may include: a plurality of wheels, a motor to drive one or more of the wheels; a supporting plate to which the plurality of wheels are coupled; and a charging module coupled to the front end of the supporting plate. The charging module may include a terminal providing an electrical connection with a charging station when the robot docks with the charging station; and a housing providing an internal space, the terminal rotating or moving vertically in the internal space when the robot docks with the charging station.