System for the automated docking of robotic platforms

US11345250B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Eric D. Schwartz · Pittsford, US
• Stephen Cross · North Palm Beach, US
• Michael L. Gilbertson · Arlington, US
• Kyle Bush · Monet, US
• David Wendeborn · Portland, US
• Richard Armstrong · Corona, US
• Scott Nowicki · Portland, US
• Seth Hill · Lemon Grove, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 2019
• Grant date: May 31, 2022
• Expiry date: May 17, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T90/12
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Various embodiments are directed to a docking station for a robotic platform. The docking station may include a ramp having a first side and a second side opposing the first side, a base pad, a roller assembly, and a roller backstop assembly. The roller assembly may be coupled to the ramp and the base pad. The roller assembly may be configured to allow a robotic platform being driven towards the ramp to continue powered travel onto the ramp for docking when the robotic platform approaches the ramp within an angle range of 0 and 15 degrees with respect to either of the first and second sides of the ramp. The roller backstop assembly may be coupled to the roller assembly and the base pad. The roller backstop assembly may receive the robotic platform from the roller assembly to dock the robotic platform.