Actively Stabilized Platform Mechanical Docking for Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actively stabilized platforms require continuous power to maintain position, which is inefficient and impractical for systems where manual adjustment is unfeasible, such as in robotics or autonomous vehicles, and there is a need for automated initialization and reduced power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical system with a mechanical docking station that uses a self-aligning latch mechanism to secure the platform, allowing the active stabilizing mechanism to be disengaged and power reduced or eliminated when the platform is docked, providing stability through mechanical means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If continuous power is supplied to the active stabilizing mechanism to maintain platform position, then the platform orientation and position are maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform position stabilityVSAvoidmotor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the active electromagnetic stabilizing mechanism with a passive mechanical docking system. The docking station includes mechanical elements such as latches, guides, and structural supports that physically constrain the platform to maintain its orientation and position without requiring continuous electrical power to the motors. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous motor operation while preserving platform stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the stabilizing function from the active motor system and transfers it to the passive mechanical docking structure. By separating the stabilization function from the power-consuming motors and embedding it in the mechanical docking elements, the system achieves position maintenance without continuous energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Extent of automation

If manual adjustment is used to orient the platform during initialization, then the platform can be positioned, but automation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitialization automationVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-configuring the mechanical docking station with alignment features, guides, and latches that automatically orient and secure the platform during the docking process. The mechanical elements are designed to passively guide the platform into the correct orientation as it approaches the docking station, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The docking system provides self-service automation where the mechanical elements (guides, latches, alignment features) automatically perform the platform orientation and securing functions without human intervention. The system serves itself by using the platform's own motion and the mechanical constraints to achieve proper positioning and stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the active stabilizing mechanism remains engaged during transit, then the platform is protected from spurious motion, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform stability during transitVSAvoidmotor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the active electromagnetic stabilization system with a passive mechanical constraint system during transit. The docking station's mechanical elements (latches, guides, structural supports) physically restrain the platform, providing stability without requiring continuous motor operation. This mechanical substitution allows the platform to remain stable during transit while eliminating the energy consumption associated with keeping motors engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10274924B2System and method for docking an actively stabilized platform

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 SHARP KK

AI summary

A system and method are presented for docking an actively stabilized platform. The platform includes an active stabilizing mechanism selectively engageable to orient the platform in at least a first axis of rotation. Once the docking procedure is initiated, a docking device engages the platform to prevent rotation in the first axis. When the docking device becomes fixedly engaged with the platform, the active stabilizing mechanism can be disengaged and the platform sustained in a first orientation defined by the first axis of rotation. In addition, the method may sustain the platform aligned in a first spatial position defined by at least two orthogonal axes. Similarly, if the docking device does not provide complete stability for the platform (i.e., engages the platform with a tolerance error), the active stabilizing mechanism can be partially engaged to minimize the tolerance error while minimizing power consumption.