Wet robot docking station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic cleaning systems face challenges in efficiently docking and charging mobile cleaning robots with wet cleaning pads, as the electrical charging contacts may come into contact with the wet pad, leading to interrupted charging and fluid spillage, and require adequate force for charging, which can be difficult to achieve.
Innovation Solution
A base station with a docking structure featuring a horizontal surface, electrical charging contacts positioned above the surface, and a platform with raised surface features that guide the robot into a charging position, allowing it to tilt and apply the necessary force for charging while preventing contact between the charging contacts and the wet pad, and includes fluid management areas to collect and dispose of any dripped fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electrical charging contacts are positioned at the same level as the horizontal surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the charging contacts may come into contact with the wet cleaning pad causing interrupted charging
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical charging contacts are elevated above the horizontal surface to a higher dimension, creating vertical separation between the contacts and the wet cleaning pad. This dimensional change prevents fluid contact while maintaining charging functionality, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
2Reliability
If the mobile cleaning robot is designed to apply sufficient downward force on the charging contacts, then the charging reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the additional force requirement
Solution Approach 1:
Extension springs are installed beneath the electrical charging contacts to provide an upward counterbalancing force. This reduces the net downward force required from the robot's weight alone, making docking easier while ensuring sufficient contact force for reliable charging. The spring force compensates for the force deficit, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the platform is designed with raised surface features to tilt the robot into charging position, then the charging reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates raised surface features that automatically guide and tilt the robot into the correct charging position through passive mechanical interaction. The robot's own weight and movement activate this self-positioning mechanism without requiring external actuators or complex control systems, achieving reliable positioning while minimizing added complexity.
4Reliability
If the electrical charging contacts are elevated above the horizontal surface, then the contact with wet pad is prevented, but the force required for charging increases
Solution Approach 1:
Extension springs positioned beneath the elevated charging contacts provide an upward counterbalancing force that reduces the net downward force requirement. The springs are pre-loaded to exert sufficient upward force to compensate for the elevation effect, ensuring that the robot's weight alone can achieve reliable contact pressure even with the contacts positioned higher above the horizontal surface.
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 of mobile cleaning robots by preventing contact between the charging contacts and the wet cleaning pad, ensuring continuous operation and easy fluid management, allowing for reliable and uninterrupted charging.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the at least two electrical contacts is connected to an extension spring
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a base station for receiving a mobile cleaning robot including a docking structure. The docking structure includes a horizontal surface and at least two electrical charging contacts, each of the electrical charging contacts having a contact surface positioned above the horizontal surface. The base station also includes a platform that is connectable to the docking structure. The platform includes a raised rear surface having a front portion and a rear portion, two wheel wells located in the front portion of the raised rear surface of the platform, and a plurality of raised surface features forward of the raised rear surface configured to support an underside portion of the mobile cleaning robot.