Robotic Docking Station Inclination Feedback for Reliable Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled robotic tools face challenges with successful docking attempts due to incorrect inclination angles of the docking station and unfavorable ground surface properties, leading to failed battery charging and interrupted autonomous operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that obtains inclination data from the robotic tool when it is on or approaching the docking station and outputs notifications to the user, indicating if the inclination angle exceeds a threshold, allowing the user to adjust the docking station's installation or the ground surface to facilitate successful docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the robotic tool uses a docking station for battery recharging, then the autonomous operation can be maintained, but the docking procedure becomes challenging and failed docking attempts are common
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control arrangement monitor inclination sensor data during docking attempts and communicate docking status to the user. The system provides real-time information about whether the robotic tool is correctly positioned on the docking station, allowing users to understand and correct docking issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of docking conditions by automatically checking inclination sensor data and determining whether the robotic tool is properly positioned on the docking station without requiring manual user assessment.
2Ease of manufacture
If the docking station is installed on an incorrect inclination angle or unfavorable ground surface, then the robotic tool cannot dock successfully, but installing and positioning the docking station should be simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking docking conditions before attempting to charge. The control arrangement verifies proper positioning using inclination sensors before initiating the charging process, preventing failed docking attempts caused by incorrect installation angles or unfavorable ground surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about docking station installation quality by monitoring inclination data and communicating whether the robotic tool is correctly positioned during docking attempts.
3Extent of automation
If the robotic tool navigates to the docking station autonomously, then the user intervention is minimized, but the docking procedure becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic tool performs self-verification of docking conditions by automatically checking inclination sensor data and determining proper positioning without requiring manual user assessment or intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control arrangement provides feedback about docking status to the user, reducing uncertainty and perceived complexity even though the autonomous navigation and docking verification processes remain automated.
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
Improves the reliability and user-friendliness of the robotic tool system by ensuring correct docking, enabling uninterrupted autonomous operation and confirming proper installation of the docking station.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination sensor (2) configured to provide inclination data representative of an inclination angle (a0, a1, a2) of the robotic tool (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A method (100) of assisting a user of a robotic tool system (10) is disclosed. The robotic tool system (10) comprises a self-propelled robotic tool (1) configured to operate an area in an autonomous manner and a docking station (3) for charging one or more batteries (5) of the robotic tool (1). The method (100) comprises the steps of obtaining (110) inclination data representative of an inclination angle (a0, a1, a2) of the robotic tool (1) when the robotic tool (1) is located on or at the docking station (3) and outputting (120) a notification (n0, n1, n2) based on the inclination data. The present disclosure further relates to a robotic tool (1) and a robotic tool system (10) comprising a robotic tool (1) and a docking station (3).