Robotic Energy Transfer With Vision-Guided Connector Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy transfer systems for machines powered by non-fossil fuels face inefficiencies and environmental vulnerabilities, leading to sub-optimal replenishment of on-board energy storage systems and potential degradation, especially in harsh industrial environments.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous energy transfer system with a robotic system equipped with cameras, door opening and closing mechanisms, connector retention and protection systems, and a cable management system, enabling automated and protected energy transfer operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connector insertion is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but connection accuracy and energy transfer reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vision systems and automated control to enable the robotic device to autonomously locate, approach, and insert connectors into receptacles without human intervention, achieving self-service operation that improves connection accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with an automated robotic system equipped with vision guidance and precision positioning mechanisms, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated ones to improve reliability
2Reliability
If automated robotic system is implemented, then connection accuracy and reliability improve, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform door opening, connector insertion, cable management, and protective covering operations, consolidating multiple functions into a single universal platform to manage complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vision systems and control systems as intermediaries between the robotic actuators and the energy transfer task, enabling precise control and coordination of complex operations through layered system architecture
3Duration of action of moving object
If energy storage system is frequently replenished, then continuous operation is maintained, but system degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors energy levels and schedules replenishment operations optimally, using feedback from energy storage system status to determine when and how to replenish, minimizing unnecessary cycles that cause degradation while maintaining operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs preliminary assessments and preparations before energy replenishment, including locating optimal receptacles and preparing connectors in advance, to enable efficient single-try connections that reduce overall replenishment frequency
4Productivity
If manual replenishment process is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but human error and sub-optimal performance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device autonomously performs the complete replenishment sequence including door opening, connector insertion, and cable management without human intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated robotic systems equipped with precision positioning and force control, substituting human-operated systems to improve both productivity and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous energy transfer system includes a robotic system that includes an end effector; a slide system for moving the robotic system; a cable management system for managing energy transfer cables; an energy transfer outlet system for the energy transfer cables; a first camera system for obtaining image data associated with a receptacle access point of a work machine; a second camera system for obtaining image data associated with an access mechanism of the receptacle access point and one or more receptacles included in the receptacle access point; a door opening system for opening an access door of the receptacle access point; a door closing system for closing the access door; a connector retention system for enabling coupling between one or more plugs of the end effector and the one or more receptacles; and a connector protection system for protecting the one or more plugs.