Charging device of robot cleaner and method for docking a robot cleaner to the charging device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaner charging devices face challenges in accurately guiding the return induction signal and ensuring tight contact between the power supply and charging terminals for efficient charging, leading to potential inaccuracies in docking and reduced charging efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A charging device with an induction signal generating unit and an induction signal guide member that improves the linearity of the return induction signal, using access and docking induction sensors to guide the robot cleaner for precise docking and an elastically supported charging terminal to maintain contact, enhancing docking accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the robot cleaner is equipped with basic charging functionality, then charging capability is provided, but docking accuracy is insufficient leading to poor terminal contact
Solution Approach 1:
An induction signal guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the induction signal generating unit and the robot cleaner. This guide member shapes and directs the induction signal to improve linearity, enabling the robot cleaner to dock more accurately without requiring complex mechanical guidance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical docking guidance mechanisms with an electromagnetic induction signal-based guidance system. The induction signal guide member shapes the electromagnetic field to provide directional guidance, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment systems while improving docking accuracy.
2Force
If the charging terminal is made rigid for stable contact, then structural simplicity is maintained, but contact force is insufficient for tight terminal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The charging terminal is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the robot cleaner's power supply terminal during docking. The elastic terminal deforms under contact force to ensure tight, stable contact while accommodating minor misalignments, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the induction signal is transmitted without guidance, then device complexity is low, but signal linearity is poor reducing docking precision
Solution Approach 1:
The induction signal guide member serves as a mediator that shapes and directs the induction signal. By introducing this guide member, the signal linearity is improved without requiring complex mechanical guidance structures, as the guide member simply shapes the electromagnetic field distribution.
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
The solution increases the accuracy of the robot cleaner's docking with the charging device, reducing lateral movement and ensuring stable, tight contact between the power and charging terminals, thereby improving the efficiency of the charging process.
Implementation Method 1
an induction signal generating unit disposed at a side of the cover or the base to transmit a return induction signal to the robot cleaner
Implementation Method 2
an induction signal guide member disposed at a side of the induction signal generating unit to enhance a docking performance of the robot cleaner by improving linearity of the induction signal
Implementation Method 3
an elastically supported charging terminal to maintain contact
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A charging device (1) of a robot cleaner is provided. The charging device (1) of a robot cleaner according to the embodiment includes at least one cover (400) forming an appearance of the charging device (1), a base (300) which is coupled with the cover (400) and includes a terminal unit (200) for charging the robot cleaner, an induction signal generating unit (160) disposed at a side of the cover (400) or the base (300) to transmit a return induction signal to the robot cleaner, and an induction signal guide member (140) disposed at a side of the induction signal generating unit (160) to enhance a docking performance of the robot cleaner by improving linearity of the induction signal. The charging device (1) according to the embodiment can guide the path for the return of the robot cleaner and recharge the robot cleaner stably.