Ackerman Robot Path Planning for Precise Position and Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic motion control methods for Ackerman wheeled robots are inadequate for high-precision motion control due to the complex coupling of angular and linear velocities, which complicates steering and movement accuracy, especially in applications requiring precise positioning and orientation.

Innovation Solution

A robotic motion control method that plans routes using a combination of circular and linear motions by determining arc and straight paths based on the starting and target point positions and orientations, utilizing a positioning system and calculating the shortest path through tangent points and connectivity matrices to improve control accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If real-time feedback control is used for Ackerman wheeled robot, then the robot can meet basic position requirements, but the control precision is insufficient for high-precision applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition control precisionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex motion control problem into distinct phases: pure linear motion phase and pure angular rotation phase. By dividing the motion trajectory into these separate segments, each with its own control strategy, the system achieves high precision without requiring overly complex continuous control mechanisms. The linear phase uses simple velocity control while the rotation phase uses angular control, avoiding the need to handle complex coupling throughout the entire motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating the motion trajectory and determining the optimal switching point between linear and angular phases before execution. The system computes the expected position and orientation in advance, then uses this pre-planned path to guide the robot through simple sequential motions rather than complex real-time adjustments, thereby achieving high precision with simpler control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Length of moving object

If Ackerman chassis is used, then large steering radius is achieved, but the coupling between angular velocity and linear velocity complicates control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering radiusVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the motion into distinct linear and angular phases, avoiding the need to control the complex coupling of angular and linear velocities simultaneously. During the linear phase, only linear velocity is controlled; during the angular phase, only angular velocity is controlled. This temporal and functional segmentation eliminates the control complexity while preserving the Ackerman chassis's large steering radius capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics by dynamically switching between different motion modes (linear motion mode and angular rotation mode) based on the robot's position relative to the target. The system adaptively adjusts the motion phase and control strategy in real-time, allowing the robot to exploit the Ackerman chassis strengths while avoiding its control complexities through dynamic phase transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If movement from point A to point B is not decomposed into pure rotation and pure linear motion, then shorter path may be achieved, but control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and orientation precisionVSAvoidmovement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the motion into pure linear and pure angular components executed in sequential phases. Although this decomposition may result in a slightly longer path compared to direct curved motion, it achieves superior position and orientation precision by eliminating the complex velocity coupling. The linear phase moves the robot to the correct distance, and the angular phase orients it precisely, ensuring high accuracy at each phase rather than attempting complex simultaneous control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning between linear and angular motion phases without stopping. The system continuously executes useful motion throughout both phases, with the transition point optimized to minimize total time. This continuous execution ensures that while the path may be decomposed, the overall movement time remains efficient and the precision requirements are met through sustained controlled motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11372414B2Robotic motion control method and apparatus and robot using the same
Publication Date: 2022.06.28 FUTRONICS NA CORP
  • US11372414B2 patent drawing
  • US11372414B2 patent drawing
  • US11372414B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A robotic motion control method provided by the present disclosure includes: obtaining a position and orientation of a starting point where the robot is currently located through a positioning sensor, and obtaining a position and orientation of a preset target point where the robot is moved to; determining an arc path and a straight path of the robot according to the position and orientation of the starting point, the position and orientation of the preset target point, and a preset arc radius; and moving the robot to the preset target point according to the determined arc path and straight path. Because there are only pure circular motion and pure linear motion which are simple during the movement of the robot, it is beneficial to improve the precision of the motion control of the robot and enable the robot to reach the target position in a reliable manner.