Wireless Rail Robot Control Without Tethered Power Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic apparatuses require wires for power and command transmission, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in performing tasks within three-dimensional spaces.
Innovation Solution
A robotic apparatus comprising a rail with two paths for wireless power transmission and a robotic unit equipped with a microcontroller, drive motor, transfer unit, and transceiver, allowing wireless operation and command reception, enabling the robotic unit to move along the rail without wires and perform tasks at specific locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wires are used to provide power and transmit commands to the robotic unit, then reliable power transmission and command control are achieved, but the flexibility and mobility of the robotic unit within three-dimensional space are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based power transmission system with an electromagnetic induction system. The rail contains conductive paths that generate electromagnetic fields, which inductively couple with corresponding coils in the robotic unit to transmit power and commands wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical wire connections and thereby improving flexibility while maintaining reliability through electromagnetic coupling.
2Productivity
If wires are used to connect the robotic unit to the rail, then stable power supply is ensured, but the efficiency and speed of task performance are reduced due to constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wire connection with wireless electromagnetic induction. The rail's conductive paths and the robotic unit's coils create an inductive coupling that transfers power and control signals without physical contact, allowing the robotic unit to move freely along the rail in three-dimensional space, thereby improving operational efficiency and eliminating movement constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic resonance induction from an electrified rail is used to power the robotic unit, then wireless power transmission is achieved, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rail structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical guidance for the robotic unit's movement along the track, contains conductive paths for electromagnetic power transmission, and acts as a structural support framework. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining guidance and power transmission into a single integrated infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical guidance function and the electromagnetic power transmission function into the same rail structure. The conductive paths are integrated within the rail itself, so that the same physical infrastructure that guides the robotic unit's movement also provides the electromagnetic field for wireless power and command transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 flexible and efficient operation of robotic units within three-dimensional spaces by eliminating the need for wires, enhancing their ability to perform tasks such as manufacturing automation, repositioning, and tooling without the constraints of wired connections.
Implementation Method 1
The rail comprises a first path and a second path and thus is configured to carry an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
The transceiver is operationally engaged to the microcontroller and is configured to receive locating commands wirelessly from a control unit, and to transmit data thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A wirelessly powered and controlled robotic apparatus enabling performance of tasks within a three-dimensional space includes a rail, a robotic unit, and a tool. The rail comprises negative and second paths to carry an electrical current. The robotic unit comprises a microcontroller having a drive motor and a transceiver engaged thereto and is engaged to and electrically coupled to the rail. A transfer unit is engaged to both the drive motor and the rail and thus can translate rotation of the drive motor to a force to motivate the robotic unit along the rail. The microcontroller selectively actuates the transfer unit to move the robotic unit along the rail to a location. The transceiver receives commands wirelessly from a control unit and transmits data thereto. The tool is engaged to the robotic unit and can perform a task at, or proximate to, the location.