Robotic Operation Mode Control for Battery-Aware Return Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic devices face limitations in battery life due to high power consumption, particularly when using actuators, which restricts their range and ability to return to a docking station for recharging, especially in environments where energy stored in the battery may be insufficient.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for controlling robotic device operations based on the status of a power source, involving a monitoring unit to assess power parameters, a processor to assign operational modes that adjust energy usage, and a control unit to manage these operations, optimizing energy conservation by varying the amount of energy required for each operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robotic device operates with high power consumption to perform functions, then the functionality and performance are improved, but the battery life is reduced and the device cannot return to the docking station
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time battery status. When battery level is sufficient, the device operates in high-performance mode with full functionality. When battery level drops below a threshold, the device automatically switches to energy-saving mode, reducing power consumption to ensure it can return to the docking station. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and extending battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power consumption levels, actuator activation, sensor usage) based on battery status. By monitoring battery charge levels and adjusting operational parameters accordingly, the device can maintain high functionality when energy is abundant while conserving energy when battery life is limited, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and duration of action.
2Length of moving object
If the robotic device ventures far from the docking station to expand its operational range, then the coverage area is improved, but the risk of insufficient energy to return increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device continuously monitors its battery status and uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about its operational range. Before venturing out, the system assesses available energy and calculates a safe maximum distance from the docking station. During operation, if battery level drops below a threshold, the device automatically initiates a return sequence, ensuring it can reliably return to the docking station regardless of how far it has ventured.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery status before the robotic device ventures from the docking station. By evaluating available energy reserves in advance and setting appropriate operational limits, the device ensures it will have sufficient energy to return, thus maintaining reliability while still allowing expanded operational range when conditions permit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the robotic device uses wired charging connection for recharging, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the suitability for autonomous operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is equipped with autonomous charging capabilities through wireless charging technology. The device can automatically detect the presence of a charging field, navigate to the docking station when battery level is low, and initiate charging without human intervention or wired connections. This self-service capability maintains high charging efficiency while fully supporting autonomous operation, resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling one or more operations performed by a robotic device in response to a status of a power source includes: a monitoring unit configured to monitor one or more parameters associated with the power source that provides power to the robotic device and to determine one or more performance indicators for the power source based on one or more of the parameters, a processor configured to, under instruction of a program that defines a plurality of modes for one or more operations performed by the robotic device when reacting to a stimulus, assign one of the plurality of modes to an operation of the robotic device in response to one or more of the performance indicators for the power source, where an amount of energy required from the power source to perform the operation varies according to which mode is assigned to the operation, and a control unit configured to control the robotic device to perform the operation in accordance with the mode assigned to the operation when reacting to the stimulus.