Mobile Robot Docking Guide Rail for Passive Precision Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking devices for autonomous mobile robots require complex components like controllers, motors, belts, and multiple sensors, necessitating continuous power supply, which increases cost and complicates maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified docking device with a docking guide and guide rail system that uses a connecting part, guide pin, and guide rail to facilitate robot docking without continuous power, featuring a rotatable guide pin for obstacle avoidance and easy separation from the robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex docking device with controllers, motors, belts, and multiple sensors is used to guide the mobile robot, then the docking precision and control capability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical control system (motors, belts, controllers) with a passive mechanical guidance system using guide rails and docking guides that utilize the robot's own movement to achieve docking. The object detector and reflection plate provide detection capability without requiring complex sensor systems, as the robot's existing detectors reflect off the plate to determine position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary complex components (controllers, motors, belts, multiple sensors) from the docking device, retaining only the essential elements (guide rails, docking guides, reflection plate) needed to achieve docking functionality. This simplification maintains core functionality while reducing complexity.
2Extent of automation
If multiple sensors and control components are installed in the docking device, then the docking control capability is improved, but the need for continuous power supply increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device operates passively without requiring external power supply. The guide rails and docking guides use the robot's own movement and kinetic energy to achieve docking. The object detector and reflection plate system uses the robot's existing detection capabilities rather than requiring powered sensors in the docking device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection plate is periodically moved into and out of the detection path based on the robot's approach, rather than requiring continuous operation of powered components. This intermittent operation would reduce power consumption if powered components were used.
3Strength
If a fixed rigid connection structure is used between the docking guide and robot, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to avoid obstacles and adapt to positioning variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part includes a guide pin that can rotate relative to the docking guide, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This rotation capability allows the system to adapt to obstacles and positioning variations while maintaining structural integrity during the docking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure is divided into separate components (docking guide, guide pin, engaging part) that can move and adjust relative to each other. This segmentation allows individual components to accommodate obstacles independently while maintaining the overall connection strength.
4Extent of automation
If a complex docking device with multiple components is used, then the docking functionality is improved, but the ease of maintenance and manufacturing simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex components (controllers, motors, belts, multiple sensors) from the docking device, retaining only simple mechanical elements (guide rails, docking guides, reflection plate) that are easier to manufacture and maintain while preserving essential docking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified components serve multiple functions: the guide rails provide both structural support and movement guidance, the docking guide serves as both a positioning element and a connection interface, and the reflection plate provides detection reference while being a simple visual marker. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking device to move a mobile robot to a docking area includes a docking guide configured to detect an entry position of the mobile robot and to guide the mobile robot to the docking area and including a connecting part configured to be coupled to and separated from a part of the mobile robot, and a guide rail disposed to provide a path for the docking guide to move to the docking area, in response to the part of the mobile robot being coupled to the docking guide.