Robot Charging Station with Reflector-Based Lidar Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robots struggle to accurately recognize charging station indicators using lidar sensors alone, often requiring additional and expensive sensors like cameras or ToF sensors, which increases cost and volume.
Innovation Solution
A charging station equipped with reflectors that extend the recognition distance of lidar sensors, allowing robots to dock using only lidar by reflecting light to indicators, and a robot system that processes these reflections to align and dock precisely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a robot uses a lidar sensor to recognize charging station indicators, then the robot can perform work autonomously, but the lidar sensor cannot accurately recognize objects at minimum recognition distance (265 mm) or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary component between the lidar sensor and the charging station indicator. The reflector is positioned at the charging station to reflect lidar light back to the sensor, enabling the sensor to detect the indicator even when physically closer than the minimum recognition distance. This mediator allows the system to overcome the inherent distance limitation of the lidar sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the recognition capability from direct line-of-sight detection to indirect detection through light reflection. By utilizing the reflection dimension, the system can detect indicators that are physically closer than the minimum recognition distance, effectively adding a new detection pathway that bypasses the distance constraint.
2Measurement precision
If a robot includes additional sensors (camera, ultrasonic sensor, ToF sensor) to recognize charging station indicators, then recognition accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing lidar sensor multi-functional by configuring it to detect both navigation objects and charging station indicators. Through the reflector mechanism, the same lidar sensor that detects distant objects can also accurately detect close-proximity indicators, eliminating the need for separate specialized sensors and achieving universal detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy pathway by using the reflector to bounce lidar light back to the sensor. This indirect light path effectively creates a virtual detection channel that allows the lidar sensor to 'see' the indicator as if it were at a detectable distance, without requiring additional physical sensors.
3Measurement precision
If a robot includes expensive sensors (camera, ToF sensor) to recognize charging station indicators, then recognition capability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex sensors with a simple, inexpensive reflector component. The reflector is a passive optical element that can be manufactured at low cost, and it enables the existing lidar sensor to perform indicator recognition without requiring any expensive additional sensing hardware.
4Length of stationary object
If a charging station uses multiple reflectors (first reflector and second reflector) to reflect light to indicators, then recognition distance is extended, but charging station volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the first and second reflectors in a nested or sequential configuration where the first reflector reflects light to the second reflector, which then reflects it to the indicator. This nested arrangement allows multiple reflection stages to be compacted into a smaller overall volume while still achieving extended recognition distance through the cascaded reflection pathway.
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 accurate docking using lidar alone, reducing the need for additional sensors, minimizing charging station size and weight, and enhancing alignment precision.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflector configured to reflect a light received from a source exterior to the charging station to the at least one indicator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a robot, a charging station, and a robot charging system, the charging station including: at least one indicator; at least one reflector configured to reflect light received from the outside to the at least one indicator; an interface configured to dock an external device; and a processor that, when it is detected that the external device is docked in the interface, supplies power to the docked external device through the interface.