Robot Docking Station Infrared Guidance and Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations are limited in accommodating robots of different sizes and types, lack robust guidance systems, and do not adequately ensure safe charging processes, hindering the growth of service robotics and the integration of diverse robot capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with emitting attracting and repelling beams to guide robots accurately, a beacon signal system for identification, and a communication interface for secure charging, along with air quality sensor calibration capabilities to ensure efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical docking guidance systems are used, then the robot can be guided to the correct position, but the design of the robot/docking station pair is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical guidance systems with an optical guidance system using infrared attracting and repelling beams. The robot uses infrared sensors to detect these beams and navigate to the docking station, eliminating the need for physical guides that would restrict design flexibility while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single docking station serves multiple robot types, then deployment is facilitated, but safety of charging processes becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station implements dynamic identification and adaptation: it identifies the robot type through communication interfaces and dynamically adjusts charging parameters and safety measures accordingly. This allows the same station to safely serve multiple robot types by adapting its charging process to each robot's specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses bidirectional communication between the docking station and robot to exchange identification information and charging parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures that the charging process is safely configured for the specific robot type before power is supplied, maintaining reliability across diverse robot fleets.
3Ease of operation
If infrared beam guidance is used, then the robot can approach the station from appropriate directions, but additional safety measures are needed to prevent short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station performs preliminary robot identification and authorization through communication interfaces before enabling charging. This preliminary action verifies that the approaching robot is authorized and configures appropriate safety measures in advance, preventing short circuits and other hazards before they can occur.
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 enhances the accuracy of robot positioning, ensures safe and adaptable charging for diverse robots, and reduces maintenance through automated air quality sensor calibration, facilitating the deployment of heterogeneous robot fleets and improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
sources of attracting beams arranged around the parking area in order to emit attracting beams within a robot approach region
Implementation Method 2
sources of repelling beams arranged on either side of the parking area in order to emit, outside the approach region, repelling beams
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for monitoring air quality in an environment, including at least one mobile robot (20) in the environment, a docking station (10) placed in the environment and including a parking area for receiving the robot, air quality sensors on board the mobile robot, air quality sensors fitted in the docking station, and a calibration manager for collecting measures carried out by at least one air quality sensor on board the mobile robot (20) while the mobile robot is received in the parking area of the docking station (10), and measures carried out at the same time by another air quality sensor fitted in the docking station, of the same type as the on-board air quality sensor.