Underwater Robot Docking Station with Conveyor Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking stations for underwater robots face challenges in safe charging, complete waterproofing, and efficient maintenance, repair, and management, as charging in water can lead to short circuits and damage to circuits and batteries, and maintenance is difficult due to the underwater environment.
Innovation Solution
A docking station design that includes a receiving unit under water, a maintenance unit above water for cleaning and charging, and a conveyor system to move the robot safely, featuring a guide arm, sliding portion with a V-shaped docking groove, and a gripper for secure handling, allowing for safe charging, drying, and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If charging is conducted in water, then the underwater robot can be charged without leaving the water environment, but complete waterproofing is difficult to achieve and short circuits may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transfer chamber as an intermediary environment between the water environment and the charging environment. The robot is transferred from water to the air-filled transfer chamber, which serves as a mediator that allows charging to occur in a controlled, water-free environment while maintaining the ability to service the robot without prolonged human-water interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station is segmented into distinct functional units: a receiving unit for water-based robot intake, a transfer chamber for environment transition, and a maintenance unit for charging. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment (water or air) and resolves the contradiction by separating the charging function from the water environment.
2Loss of information
If the underwater robot is managed only in water, then the robot can be monitored continuously, but it is difficult to dry and clean the robot
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer chamber acts as an intermediary that enables the robot to transition from the water monitoring environment to the air-based maintenance environment. This allows cleaning and drying operations to be performed in a controlled air environment while maintaining monitoring capabilities through automated sensors and systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions the robot between different environments (water to air) based on operational needs. The transfer chamber enables this dynamic environment change, allowing the robot to be monitored in water and maintained in air, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and effective maintenance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the docking station structure is simplified for economic feasibility, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to perform safe charging and maintenance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is divided into modular segments (receiving unit, transfer chamber, maintenance unit) that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This modular segmentation reduces overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the functional integrity needed for safe charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated mechanisms such as the sliding portion that uses gravity and self-weight to position the robot, reducing the need for complex active actuators and control systems. This self-service approach simplifies the mechanical structure and reduces manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable robot positioning for safe charging.
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
Enables safe and efficient charging, drying, and maintenance of underwater robots, ensuring continuous operation and simplifying the structure for economic feasibility, thereby improving underwater exploration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding portion configured to allow the underwater robot to be slid by gravity and self-weight and settled at a right position
Implementation Method 2
a conveyor unit configured to convey the underwater robot from the receiving unit to the maintenance unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a docking station whereby an underwater robot can be maintained, repaired and managed all the time. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a docking station can be provided that may comprise: a receiving unit configured to receive an underwater robot therein and positioned under a surface of water; a maintenance unit provided on the receiving unit and positioned above the surface of the water; and a conveyor unit configured to convey the underwater robot from the receiving unit to the maintenance unit.