Robot Docking Contacts for Autonomous Horizontal Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous robots, such as lawn mowers, require manual charging and relocation to a docking station, wasting user time and requiring extended downtime for recharging.
Innovation Solution
A docking station and robot system with laterally protruding magnetic contacts and contact arms that facilitate horizontal energy and signal transmission for automatic charging and navigation, allowing the robot to detect and align with the docking station for efficient energy transfer and operation initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the robot is battery powered and operates autonomously, then the robot can perform domestic functions independently, but the robot requires manual charging and relocation when battery power is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The robot automatically returns to the docking station and docks itself when battery power is low or depleted. The docking mechanism includes laterally protruding contacts on the robot that automatically align with and contact corresponding contact arms on the docking station, enabling autonomous recharging without user intervention.
2Loss of energy
If the robot stops when battery power runs out, then the robot conserves energy, but the robot becomes troublesome to locate and requires extended downtime for recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The robot detects when battery power is low and automatically initiates the return journey to the docking station before complete power depletion occurs. This preliminary action ensures the robot reaches the charging location while still having sufficient power, eliminating location troubles and reducing overall downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic contacts instead of traditional mechanical electrical contacts. The laterally protruding magnetic contacts on the robot automatically align with and contact the contact arms on the docking station through magnetic attraction, enabling reliable electrical connection for charging without complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the docking contacts are oriented laterally and horizontally, then the docking mechanism simplifies alignment and contact, but the transmission parts must be precisely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The laterally protruding contacts on the robot and the corresponding contact arms on the docking station are positioned at the same horizontal level, creating an equipotential docking interface. This horizontal alignment simplifies the docking process as gravity and natural settling facilitate contact, while the magnetic attraction ensures precise final positioning and maintains reliable electrical connection.
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 autonomous robots to automatically dock and recharge, reducing user intervention and downtime, allowing for continuous operation once charged.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic contact, for example, two magnetic contacts, extending from the robot (typically laterally, whereby the contacts are at least substantially parallel to the horizontal or ground surface)
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station (20) and a robot (22) for docking therein, include corresponding transmission parts. These transmission parts are for the transmission of energy, such as electricity, for recharging the robot (22), and/or signals, for operating the robot (22), the energy and/or signals passing between the docking station and the robot (22). The docking station (20) and robot (22) are such that the docking of the robot (22) in the docking station (20) is at a horizontal orientation, as the transmission part on the robot (22) includes laterally protruding docking contacts that contact corresponding laterally oriented contact arms of the docking station (20).