Robot Cleaner Charging Dock with Guided Induction Signal Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot cleaner charging devices face challenges in accurately guiding return induction signals and ensuring tight contact between power and charging terminals for efficient charging, leading to potential inaccuracies and reduced charging efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A charging device for robot cleaners that includes an induction signal generating unit and an induction signal guide member to enhance docking performance by improving the linearity of the induction signal, combined with a terminal supporting member for elastic support of the charging terminal to maintain tight contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the robot cleaner is equipped with a battery and charging device for autonomous operation, then the robot cleaner can move and clean autonomously, but the robot cleaner requires accurate docking guidance to ensure effective charging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous cleaning capabilityVSAvoiddocking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an induction signal guide member as an intermediary element between the induction signal generating unit and the robot cleaner. This guide member shapes and directs the induction signal to form a directional path, mediating the guidance process to improve docking accuracy while maintaining autonomous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the charging terminal and power supply terminal are connected for effective charging, then power can be transferred to charge the battery, but the contact force between terminals must be increased to maintain tight contact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidcontact force between terminals
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a resilient terminal supporting member that provides elastic support to the charging terminal. This dynamic element automatically adjusts to maintain optimal contact force between the charging terminal and power supply terminal, ensuring reliable electrical connection for effective charging while accommodating minor positioning variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the induction signal is transmitted to guide the robot cleaner back to the charging device, then the robot cleaner can return for recharging, but the linearity of the induction signal must be improved to enhance docking performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereturn navigation capabilityVSAvoidinduction signal linearity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The induction signal guide member acts as a mediator that shapes and directs the induction signal transmission. It creates a focused signal path with improved linearity, enabling the robot cleaner to accurately follow the signal gradient and dock precisely with the charging device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member modifies the physical parameters of the induction signal transmission by confining and directing the signal fields. This changes the signal distribution pattern from diffuse to focused, improving linearity and enabling more precise navigation and docking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 docking accuracy and efficiency by reducing lateral movement during the docking process, ensuring stable contact between the power and charging terminals, and facilitating effective recharging of the robot cleaner.

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field guidance: Waveguide

Implementation Method 3

a terminal supporting member disposed at the front cover to elastically support the charging terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2449938B1Charging device of robot cleaner
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2449938B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2449938B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2449938B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A charging device of a robot cleaner is provided. The charging device of a robot cleaner according to the embodiment includes at least one cover forming an appearance of the charging device, a base which is coupled with the cover and includes a terminal unit for charging the robot cleaner, 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, and 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. The charging device according to the embodiment can guide the path for the return of the robot cleaner and recharge the robot cleaner stably.