Robot Docking Terminal Detection for Autonomous Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems require human intervention for power supplementation, leading to inefficiencies and prolonged downtime when power storage units are depleted, as robots must be manually moved to docking stations for charging, which can take several hours.
Innovation Solution
A docking system comprising a robot with a power storage unit and a main control unit, and a docking station with a power supplying unit, utilizing a detection circuit and current detection units to automatically confirm terminal connections and initiate charging, allowing the robot to autonomously return and dock for power replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual power supplementation is used, then the robot can be moved to docking station for charging, but the downtime is prolonged and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously navigates to the docking station and performs docking operations without human intervention. The control unit automatically detects terminal connections and initiates charging sequences, enabling the system to service itself during power depletion cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit continuously monitors terminal connection status before charging begins. The control unit prepares charging parameters in advance based on power storage unit status, ensuring immediate charging initiation upon docking confirmation, thereby minimizing downtime.
2Reliability
If detection circuit with current detection unit is implemented, then automatic docking confirmation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical docking verification mechanisms with an electrical detection circuit. The current detection unit uses electrical current flow through terminals to confirm docking status, substituting mechanical sensors or switches with simpler electrical measurement that provides more reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit serves multiple functions: it detects terminal connection status, verifies docking completion, and provides feedback to the control unit for charging initiation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated circuit.
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 reliable, automated docking and charging of robots without human intervention, significantly reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency in industrial and household applications.
Implementation Method 1
the power storage unit or the power supplying unit providing a detection power, the detection power generating a detection current when it flows across a detection circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a robot, a docking system and a docking method therefor. The docking system comprises a first circuit located in a robot. The first circuit comprises a power storage unit for supplying power to the robot and a first main control unit for controlling the movement of the robot. The docking system further comprises a first group of terminals electrically connected with the first circuit, and a second circuit located in a docking station. The second circuit comprises a power supplying unit. The docking system further comprises a second group of terminals electrically connected with the second circuit. The power storage unit or the power supplying unit provides a detection power. The detection power generates a detection current when it flows across a detection circuit. The detection circuit is constructed by the first circuit and the second circuit through the first group of terminals docking with the second group of terminals. The detection circuit further comprises a current detection unit, and the first main control unit confirms that the first group of terminals dock with the second group of terminals when the detection current is detected by the current detection unit. The robot according to this invention can reliably dock to the docking station without human intervention, which brings extreme convenience to production and life.