Robot Docking Station Signal Verification for Autonomous Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intelligent robots require manual intervention for power supplementation, which can take several hours, disrupting continuous operation and efficiency in industrial and household tasks.
Innovation Solution
A docking system comprising a robot and a docking station with a signal transmission and feedback mechanism, allowing the robot to automatically detect and connect with the docking station for power charging, using conductive terminals and signal conversion units to verify successful docking and initiate charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If manual power supplementation is used, then the robot can be recharged, but the operation time is lost and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is equipped with a power storage unit and automatic docking capability that enables it to autonomously return to the docking station for recharging without human intervention. The control unit automatically manages the docking process and power transfer, allowing the robot to service itself and eliminate downtime associated with manual power supplementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot proactively returns to the docking station before the power storage unit is completely depleted. The control unit monitors power levels and initiates the automatic return sequence in advance, ensuring continuous operation by preventing complete power exhaustion and the subsequent operational interruption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If manual power supplementation is used, then the robot can be recharged, but continuous operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic docking system enables the robot to independently manage its power needs by autonomously navigating to the docking station, aligning docking terminals, and establishing electrical connection without human assistance. This self-service capability ensures uninterrupted continuous operation as the robot handles power replenishment independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot maintains continuous operational capability by integrating the power storage unit with automatic recharging. The seamless transition between operation and recharging phases, managed by the control unit, eliminates gaps in useful action and ensures the robot is always ready to perform its designated function without interruption.
3Productivity
If automatic docking system is implemented, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking terminal group serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection for power transfer, enables bidirectional signal communication for docking verification, and facilitates automatic alignment guidance. By integrating these diverse functions into a single docking interface, the system achieves high operational efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the power transfer function and signal communication function into a unified docking mechanism. The conductive terminals and signal terminals are integrated in the docking terminal group, allowing simultaneous power supplementation and docking status verification through a single docking action, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a robot, a docking station, and a docking system and a docking method therefor. The docking system comprises a robot and a docking station. The robot comprises a power storage unit configured to supply power for the robot, a docking terminal group comprising at least a first docking terminal and a second docking terminal, and a robot control unit configured to control working state of the robot. The docking station comprises a conductive terminal group comprising at least a first conductive terminal and a second conductive terminal. The conductive terminal group is configured to be electrically connected to the docking terminal group respectively. The robot control unit comprises a signal transmission module configured to be electrically connected to the first docking terminal and send a predetermined detection signal, a signal receiving module configured to be electrically connected to the second docking terminal. When the signal receiving module receives a predetermined feedback signal corresponding to the predetermined detection signal, the robot control unit verifies that the docking of the docking terminal group in the robot with the conductive terminal group in the docking station has succeeded. The robot can reliably dock to the docking station without human intervention, which brings extreme convenience to production and life.