Mobile Robot Recharge Dock Alignment Using Signal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robots require manual recharging, which is inefficient and lacks autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A recharge station system that includes charging contacts and a power supply, along with signal emitters and receivers, allowing the mobile robot to autonomously navigate and align with the recharge station for self-charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual recharging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to human intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot autonomously navigates to the recharge station and connects for charging without human intervention. The robot uses signal emitters and receivers to locate the station, adjusts its direction based on signal strength, and automatically aligns charging contacts, enabling self-service recharging that improves productivity while managing complexity through automated functions.
2Ease of operation
If autonomous navigation to recharge station is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to signal emitters and receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation with an automated signal-based system. Signal emitters at the recharge station transmit signals that are received by the mobile robot, which then uses this information to autonomously navigate and align with the station, substituting human-operated mechanical movement with automated signal processing and motor control.
3Measurement precision
If signal-based alignment system is added, then measurement precision improves for robot positioning, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot continuously receives signals from the recharge station and uses the signal strength and direction information as feedback to adjust its position and orientation. The system monitors alignment status in real-time and makes corrective adjustments until optimal alignment is achieved, ensuring precise positioning through closed-loop feedback control.
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 the mobile robot to autonomously locate and recharge at the station, reducing human intervention and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first signal emitter emitting a first signal in a first predetermined range
Implementation Method 2
at least a first signal receiver; the mobile robot aligns with the recharging station based on at least the first signal received by the first signal receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects provide a system including a mobile robot and a recharging station. The mobile robot aligns with the recharging station based on at least a first signal received by a first signal receiver of the mobile robot and the mobile robot is actuated to adjust a direction of movement of the mobile robot based on at least the first signal received by the first signal receiver of the mobile robot.