Robotic Slide Assembly for Protected Energy Transfer Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy transfer systems for machines powered by non-fossil-fuel-based energy storage systems face challenges such as sub-optimal replenishment due to human error, complexity, and damage from harsh environments, and lack of stability and cable management.
Innovation Solution
An energy transfer system with a housing, robotic system, and slide system that includes a slider body and mounting base for moving the robotic system between the housing and external environment, featuring cable routing components and a locking mechanism to ensure stability and protect against harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a mechanical system is used to enable engagement of plugs and receptacles for energy transfer, then automation and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems with a robotic system that uses sensors, controllers, and automated positioning mechanisms. The robotic system employs visual or proximity sensors to locate the energy transfer interface, uses controlled movement mechanisms to reach and engage connectors, and relies on electronic control systems to coordinate the entire process, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed to autonomously perform the energy transfer operation without human intervention. It independently locates the energy transfer interface through sensor systems, navigates to the correct position, engages the connectors, completes the energy transfer, and then disengages and returns to its storage position, effectively serving itself throughout the entire process.
2Ease of operation
If the machine is positioned close to the mechanical system for energy transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of damage from inadvertent contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the machine and the energy transfer system. It extends from a protected housing structure to reach the energy transfer interface on the machine, allowing the machine to remain at a safe distance from the housing while still enabling energy transfer. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for the machine to be positioned close to the mechanical system, thereby reducing the risk of inadvertent contact damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic system operates in harsh environmental conditions, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the robotic system from the harsh external environment by housing it within a protected structure. The robotic system operates from this protected environment, extending only when needed to perform energy transfer operations. This separation allows the robotic system to maintain high reliability by avoiding exposure to harsh conditions while still being adaptable enough to operate in various external environments through controlled extension and retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides beforehand protection for the robotic system against harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, and physical impacts. By pre-establishing this protective barrier, the system ensures the robotic components remain in a controlled, benign environment, thereby maintaining reliability while retaining the capability to adapt to external harsh conditions when needed for operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, an energy transfer system includes a housing. The energy transfer system includes a robotic system that includes one or more components for enabling energy transfer. The energy transfer system includes a slide system configured to move the robotic system between an interior of the housing and an external environment. The slide system includes a slider body mounted to a floor of the housing. The slide system includes a mounting base movably connected to the slider body, a base of the robotic system being mounted to the mounting base.