Robotic Power Connector Arcing Prevention via Magnetic Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic power disconnections often result in arcing and wear on power connectors due to unplanned disconnections, which existing systems fail to predict and mitigate effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a controller and a robot with a power connector equipped with a magnet and a magnetic sensor that detects changes in the magnetic field, alerting the controller to adjust current flow before disconnection, thereby minimizing arcing and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing systems allow power disconnection to occur naturally, then operational simplicity is maintained, but arcing and wear on power connectors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidarcing and wear on power connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of disconnection conditions using magnetic sensors before the actual power disconnection occurs. By detecting changes in the magnetic field generated by the power connector in advance, the system can prepare to reduce current flow, thereby preventing arcing and wear while maintaining simple operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where magnetic sensors continuously monitor the magnetic field around the power connector. When changes indicating imminent disconnection are detected, this information is fed back to the controller, which then adjusts current flow accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the system reduces current flow upon detecting disconnection, then arcing and wear are minimized, but response time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearcing and wear on power connectorsVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic sensor detects disconnection conditions in advance of the actual power separation. This preliminary detection allows the controller to begin reducing current flow before the disconnection event occurs, minimizing arcing and wear while maintaining a fast response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical detection methods with magnetic field sensing. The magnetic sensor can detect changes in the magnetic field generated by the power connector without physical contact, enabling faster and more reliable detection of disconnection conditions compared to mechanical switches or contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If magnetic sensors are used to detect power connector changes, then prediction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidsensor and controller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generated by the power connector serves as an intermediary that carries information about the connector's state and position. The magnetic sensor detects changes in this intermediate magnetic field, providing accurate prediction of disconnection conditions without requiring direct contact or complex detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes mechanical detection systems with magnetic field sensing. This replacement uses the inherent magnetic field of the power connector as a natural signal source, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switches, contacts, or physical sensors that would increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system quickly predicts power disconnections and reduces current flow at the time of disconnection, minimizing arcing and wear on the power connector.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic sensor operably connected to the controller, the magnetic sensor configured to detect a change in a magnetic field created by the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9956688B2System and method for predicting robotic power disconnection

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 SKILD-FETCH LLC

AI summary

A system for predicting a robotic power disconnection includes: a controller; and a robot controllable by the controller, the robot including: a power connector configured to provide power to the robot; and a sensor operably connected to the controller, the sensor configured to detect a change in a field that varies with a changing condition of the power connector, the sensor further configured to alert the controller regarding the change in the field, the controller configured to adjust current through the power connector in response to the alert.