Service Robot Charging Control During Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service robots may remain in a halted state due to battery discharge when the charging apparatus experiences power failure or is intentionally interrupted, leading to continuous attempts to return to a charging mode despite unavailable power sources.
Innovation Solution
A method for charging a service robot that involves docking with a charging apparatus, checking for a predetermined charging voltage, and interrupting charging if power failure or user intervention is detected, using inductive signals and floor detection sensors to determine the charging apparatus's status and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the service robot continuously attempts to return to charging mode when power failure is detected, then the robot can locate the charging apparatus, but the battery will discharge completely causing the robot to remain halted
Solution Approach 1:
The controller detects the charging apparatus recognition signal from the charging terminal and uses this feedback information to determine whether to attempt docking. When the recognition signal is not detected (indicating power failure), the controller suppresses docking attempts, preventing unnecessary battery discharge while maintaining the ability to charge when power is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary check for the charging apparatus recognition signal before initiating the docking process. This preliminary action prevents the robot from attempting to dock with a non-functional charging apparatus, thereby avoiding complete battery discharge and ensuring energy is conserved for when charging is actually possible.
2Productivity
If the service robot attempts to dock with the charging apparatus without checking power availability, then the robot can maintain charging attempts, but it wastes time wandering when the charging apparatus is out of order
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses the charging apparatus recognition signal as feedback to determine whether the charging apparatus is operational. When the signal is absent, the controller immediately suppresses docking attempts without initiating the time-consuming process of wandering to locate the charging apparatus, thus avoiding time loss while maintaining charging efficiency when power is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary detection of the charging apparatus recognition signal before initiating the docking sequence. This preliminary check prevents the robot from wasting time wandering to locate a non-functional charging apparatus, as the absent recognition signal immediately triggers suppression of docking attempts.
3Reliability
If the charging terminal and connecting terminal are connected during power failure, then the robot can attempt to charge, but the charging process cannot be completed due to interrupted power source
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the charging apparatus recognition signal during the charging process. When power failure occurs and the recognition signal is interrupted, the controller detects this feedback change and immediately terminates the charging process, ensuring charging completion reliability without requiring complex additional control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system uses the charging apparatus recognition signal as a self-service indicator of power availability. The controller automatically responds to the presence or absence of this signal by enabling or suppressing docking attempts, eliminating the need for complex external control systems while ensuring charging completion reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for charging a service robot is provided, which includes (a) docking an input terminal of the service robot with an output terminal of a charging apparatus, if an available battery power source falls below a predetermined level; (b) checking whether a predetermined charging voltage is input to the input terminal of the service robot; (c) determining whether power failure has occurred or the charging apparatus is out of order, if the charging voltage is not input in step (b); and (d) interrupting charging of the battery, if it is determined that power failure has occurred or the charging apparatus is out of order.