Mobile Robot Charging Pad Layout to Avoid Sensor-Charger Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems face challenges in non-contact charging, particularly when a contact sensor detects surrounding objects, leading to potential interference with chargers and inefficient space usage.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot system with a power receiving pad inclined in the up-down direction and a sensor positioned displaced from the pad, allowing non-contact charging while avoiding sensor contact with the charger, and utilizing an image capturing device to guide the robot to the charging position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is disposed on the outermost side of the mobile robot to detect surrounding objects, then the detection capability is improved, but the sensor may contact the charger when the robot approaches the charger, causing false detection or interference
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is disposed at a position displaced from the power receiving pad in the up-down direction (vertical dimension), rather than only in the horizontal plane. This vertical displacement allows the sensor to detect surrounding objects while preventing contact with the charger during approach, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and contact avoidance
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined configuration of the power receiving pad acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the sensor and charger. The pad is provided as inclined in the up-down direction so as to project toward the sensor, creating a spatial buffer that allows the sensor to maintain its detection position while preventing direct contact with the charger
2Volume of moving object
If the power receiving pad and sensor are disposed close to each other to optimize space usage, then the robot size is reduced, but the sensor may interfere with the charger during charging approach
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the vertical dimension (up-down direction) for sensor displacement rather than only horizontal arrangement, the design achieves compact space utilization while maintaining safe separation between sensor and charger during approach operations
3Reliability
If the mobile robot stops or decelerates when the contact sensor detects contact with a surrounding object, then safety is improved, but the robot may stop incorrectly when the sensor contacts the charger during normal charging approach
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical displacement of the sensor prevents false contact detection during charging approach, allowing the robot to approach the charger normally without incorrect stopping or deceleration, while still maintaining safety through proper contact detection in other directions
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined power receiving pad structure serves as an intermediary that allows the robot to approach the charger smoothly without the sensor making contact, eliminating false safety triggers during normal charging operations
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 efficient non-contact charging, reduces the risk of sensor interference with the charger, and optimizes space usage by allowing closer proximity of the power receiving and transmission pads, enhancing the robot's ability to safely charge and operate in confined areas.
Implementation Method 1
The power transmission pad is provided as inclined in the up-down direction so as to face the power receiving pad. A distal end of the sensor on a side toward the power transmission pad is disposed on an outer side, in top view, with respect to a distal end of the power receiving pad.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system includes a mobile robot. The mobile robot includes a power receiving pad and a sensor. The power receiving pad is configured to receive power supply from a power transmission pad of a charger. The sensor is disposed at a position displaced from the power receiving pad in an up-down direction, and configured to detect a surrounding object. The power receiving pad is provided as inclined in the up-down direction so as to project toward the sensor. The power transmission pad is provided as inclined in the up-down direction so as to face the power receiving pad. A distal end of the sensor on a side toward the power transmission pad is disposed on an outer side, in top view, with respect to the distal end of the power receiving pad.