Hot-Swappable Power Module Receiver for Continuous Robot Runtime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous robotic systems face power-related downtime and limited mobility due to the need for frequent recharging, as traditional battery systems require robots to return to stationary charging stations, disrupting continuous operation.

Innovation Solution

A hot-swappable power system comprising a power module with one or more batteries and a receiver that allows seamless electrical coupling and decoupling, enabling the replacement of power sources without interrupting the robot's operation, using a battery tray that can be manually or automatically swapped with a freshly charged module while the system remains operational.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If traditional battery systems are used with stationary charging stations, then robots can be recharged, but robots must return to charging stations which causes operational downtime and limits mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational runtimeVSAvoiddowntime for recharging

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is divided into separable modules: a removable power module containing one or more batteries and a power module receiver. This segmentation allows the power source to be independently replaced without moving the entire robot or returning to a fixed charging station, thereby eliminating recharging downtime while maintaining extended operational runtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple batteries can be pre-charged in advance and stored in the power module receiver. When one battery is depleted, a pre-charged battery is already available for immediate replacement. This preliminary preparation eliminates waiting time for recharging and ensures continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If traditional battery systems require return to charging stations, then batteries can be recharged, but continuous operation is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcontinuous operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hot-swappable power module system enables continuous operation by allowing battery replacement without interrupting the robot's task execution. The power module receiver stores pre-charged batteries that can be swapped in immediately when needed, ensuring the useful action of the robot continues uninterrupted and maximizing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Batteries are pre-charged and staged in the power module receiver before being needed. This preliminary action ensures that when a battery depletion occurs, a replacement is already in position, eliminating any interruption to continuous operation and maintaining maximum productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed charging stations are used, then robots can recharge, but mobility and range are constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility freedomVSAvoidoperational runtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the power system into a removable power module and receiver, the robot gains mobility freedom to operate anywhere without being constrained to return to fixed charging stations. The segmented design allows power replacement at any location, extending the robot's operational range and adaptability while maintaining sufficient runtime through multiple batteries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power module receiver serves multiple functions: it stores pre-charged batteries, provides immediate replacement capability, and acts as a portable charging interface. This universal design eliminates the need for fixed charging infrastructure, enhancing mobility freedom while ensuring adequate operational runtime through multi-functional power management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution eliminates the need for robots to return to stationary charging stations, ensuring uninterrupted operation and extended runtime by allowing fresh power modules to be swapped in, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and mobility of autonomous robots.

Implementation Method 1

a hot-swappable power module that includes one or more batteries and is configured to provide electrical power to an autonomous robotic system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20240317104A1Hot Swappable Power System

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 BLACK I ROBOTICS

AI summary

A hot-swappable power system includes: a hot-swappable power module that includes one or more batteries and is configured to provide electrical power to an autonomous robotic system; and a power module receiver configured to receive the hot-swappable power module and releasably electrically couple the hot-swappable power module to a primary energy source of the autonomous robotic system.