Robotic Platform Docking via Mechanical Roller Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic platforms face inaccurate docking due to varying precision of localization sensors and environmental factors, especially in outdoor conditions, leading to disruptions and increased costs in infrastructure maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A docking station with a ramp, roller assembly, and roller backstop assembly that aligns and stops robotic platforms within a 0-15 degree angle range, allowing for accurate and automatic docking and charging, using alignment members and a docking arm assembly to maintain wheel alignment and prevent further movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional localization sensors (GPS, imaging, LiDAR, SONAR) and complex software are used for docking, then the robotic platform can initiate a docking sequence, but the docking accuracy deteriorates due to varying precision of sensors and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking capabilityVSAvoiddocking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic localization sensors and software-based docking systems with a purely mechanical docking system. The mechanical system includes a ramp with rollers that physically guide the robotic platform's wheels into the correct docking position, eliminating reliance on imprecise electronic sensors affected by environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system (the ramp with aligned rollers) that acts as a mediator between the approaching robotic platform and the docking station. This intermediary mechanically guides and constrains the platform's movement, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring precise electronic measurement or control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If electronic localization sensors are used for docking, then the docking sequence can be initiated, but reliability deteriorates in outdoor environments with mud, snow, rain, and gravel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous dockingVSAvoiddocking reliability in outdoor conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic sensor-based autonomous docking with a mechanical guidance system that is inherently more reliable in outdoor conditions. The physical ramp structure with rollers provides passive, environment-proof guidance that does not depend on electronic sensors that can be degraded by mud, snow, rain, or gravel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If complex software and multiple sensors are used for docking, then the docking sequence can be controlled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking controlVSAvoiddocking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic control software and multiple sensors with a simple mechanical structure. The ramp with strategically positioned rollers provides passive guidance through physical constraints, eliminating the need for complex algorithms and multiple electronic components while achieving the same docking control function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If traditional docking methods are used, then charging can be performed, but loss of time increases due to inaccurate docking requiring repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging operationVSAvoidtime for docking and repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by providing mechanical guidance during the approach phase. The ramp with rollers pre-aligns the robotic platform before it reaches the docking position, ensuring correct positioning in advance and eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning operations after failed docking attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11609573B2Method for the automated docking of robotic platforms

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT CO

AI summary

Various embodiments are directed to a method for docking a robotic platform. The method may include receiving a robotic platform onto a ramp of a docking station. The docking station may include the ramp, a roller assembly, a base pad, and a roller backstop assembly. The ramp may have a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The method may further include guiding, by the roller assembly, the robotic platform as the robotic platform is being driven onto ramp such that the robotic platform continues powered travel over the ramp when the robotic platform approaches the ramp within an angle range of 0 and 15 degrees with respect to either of the first and second sides of the ramp. The method may further include receiving, by the roller backstop assembly, the robotic platform from the roller assembly and then docking the robotic platform.