Robot Cleaner Charging Station with Docking-State Power Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging stations for robot cleaners face issues such as standby power consumption and power loss due to unaligned docking states, increased contact resistance from moisture or dust, and temperature rise, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner charging system with a charging station that includes a power supply generating multiple voltage levels and switching devices to adapt power supply based on docking state detection, using current flow and voltage monitoring to ensure efficient charging and minimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the charging station supplies power continuously to ensure the robot cleaner is charged, then the charging reliability is improved, but standby power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station performs preliminary actions by detecting docking status through current flow monitoring before initiating full power supply. The system prepares by checking if the robot cleaner is properly docked using minimal power, and only then activates the charging process, avoiding continuous standby power consumption while ensuring charging reliability when needed.
2Productivity
If the charging station supplies high voltage power to charge the battery quickly, then charging speed is improved, but power loss and temperature increase occur
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station dynamically adjusts the power supply voltage based on real-time detection of docking status and charging needs. When the robot cleaner is properly docked, the system supplies high voltage (e.g., 18V) for fast charging. When docking is incomplete or contact resistance is high, the system automatically reduces voltage to prevent power loss and overheating, optimizing both charging speed and energy efficiency.
3Reliability
If the charging station monitors docking state continuously to prevent power loss, then charging reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station replaces complex mechanical docking detection mechanisms with an electrical field-based detection method. By monitoring current flow between docking terminals, the system can reliably detect whether the robot cleaner is properly docked without requiring additional mechanical sensors or complex detection hardware, thus maintaining charging reliability while minimizing device complexity.
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 system reduces power consumption and ensures reliable charging by adapting power supply based on docking state, minimizing power loss and contact resistance, and providing feedback on poor contact conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply device configured to generate first power having a first voltage and second power having a second voltage bigger than the first voltage
Implementation Method 2
control the first switching device such that the first power is supplied to the first docking terminal, based on identifying a flow of a current from the first docking terminal to the second docking terminal
Implementation Method 3
a battery, and a second switching device configured to connect the third docking terminal and the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner charging system is provided. The cleaner charging system includes a charging station and a robot cleaner. The robot cleaner receives power from the charging station and includes a motor, an impeller that is rotated by the motor and generates a suction force, a suction opening that is an inlet through which dust is suctioned by the suction force, a dust container in which the suctioned dust is collected, a third docking terminal, a fourth docking terminal, a battery, and a second switching device that connects the third docking terminal and the battery.