Wireless Robot Charging via Dynamic Magnetic Flux Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for robotic devices, particularly those using wired connections, restrict the range of robotic devices due to power consumption constraints and limited battery life, making it challenging for them to return to a docking station, especially in environments where energy stored in the battery is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system utilizing a power transmitting unit with conducting wires that carry alternating current signals to generate a time-varying magnetic flux, detected by an induction coil in the robotic device, allowing for controlled amplitude and frequency adjustments to optimize power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired charging connection is used, then charging reliability is improved, but robotic device range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. The transmitting apparatus uses electromagnetic signals to transfer power without physical contact, eliminating the need for plugging and unplugging charging cables, thereby maintaining charging reliability while significantly extending the robotic device's operational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transmission. Instead of direct mechanical connection, power is transmitted through electromagnetic signals that can penetrate through space and obstacles, enabling reliable power transfer over distances without requiring the robotic device to return to a fixed docking station.
2Length of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend range, then robotic device range is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery storage system with a wireless power transmission system. Instead of increasing battery capacity to extend range, the system uses electromagnetic field-based power transmission to provide continuous power supply, thereby extending range without adding weight from larger batteries.
3Length of moving object
If wireless charging is implemented, then robotic device range is extended, but power transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the wireless power transmission system. The receiving apparatus communicates with the transmitting apparatus to provide information about power reception status, distance, and alignment, allowing the transmitting apparatus to adjust transmission parameters dynamically to optimize power transfer efficiency and minimize energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters based on real-time conditions. The system can adapt transmission power, frequency, and beam direction dynamically to maintain optimal efficiency as the robotic device moves or changes orientation, thereby reducing energy loss while extending range.
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 efficient and flexible wireless charging of robotic devices, extending their operational range by allowing them to recharge without the need for a physical connection, thereby overcoming the limitations of battery life and distance constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitting unit 610 comprising a plurality of conducting wires each configured to carry a respective alternating current signal and to generate a time-varying magnetic flux when the conducting wire carries the alternating current signal
Implementation Method 2
a power receiving unit 1210 comprising at least one conducting wire 1220 comprising at least one induction coil 1230 configured to wirelessly receive power transmitted by the charging apparatus 600
Data Source
AI summary
A charging apparatus for wireless charging of one or more robotic devices includes a power transmitting unit having a plurality of conducting wires each configured to carry a respective alternating current signal and to generate a time-varying magnetic flux when the conducting wire carries the alternating current signal, a processor configured to detect a presence or an absence of an induction coil of a robotic device within a predetermined distance of a conducting wire and to generate control data based on the result of the detection, and a control unit configured to control at least one of an amplitude and a frequency of each respective alternating current signal supplied to each of the conducting wires based on the control data, where the control unit is configured to increase at least one of an amplitude and a frequency of an alternating current signal supplied to a conducting wire in response to control data indicating the presence of the induction coil within the predetermined distance of the conducting wire.