Dead Reckoning Navigation Using Wheel Rotation for Wheeled Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking the position of wheeled objects in large areas are either expensive, require extensive infrastructure, or are prone to errors due to signal interference and environmental factors, such as GPS signal blockages and RF tag attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system using dead reckoning methods, where the position of a wheeled object is determined by measuring its heading and wheel rotation, with error correction and position reset procedures, and can communicate with external markers and RF transmitters to activate anti-theft systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or RF tag systems are used to track object position, then position determination can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and requires extensive infrastructure installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic/GPS-based position tracking systems with a mechanical dead reckoning system using wheel rotation sensors and heading sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive GPS infrastructure or RF tag receivers, reducing system complexity while maintaining position tracking capability through mechanical measurement of wheel rotations and heading changes
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system uses resources already present on the vehicle (wheels) to determine position. By measuring wheel rotation and heading directly at the vehicle, the system eliminates the need for external infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and reducing deployment complexity
2Measurement precision
If GPS or RF tag systems are used to track object position, then position determination can be achieved, but the cost of implementation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive mechanical sensors (wheel rotation sensors and heading sensors) instead of expensive GPS receivers or RF tag systems. These simple mechanical components are much cheaper to manufacture and deploy, making the tracking system cost-effective while maintaining adequate position determination accuracy for the application
3Device complexity
If dead reckoning is used to determine position, then system cost and complexity are reduced, but accumulated navigational error increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements error correction procedures that use feedback from known reference points or periodic resets to correct accumulated dead reckoning errors. This feedback mechanism maintains position accuracy over extended periods while preserving the simplicity and low cost of the mechanical sensor system
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
Provides a reliable, cost-effective, and autonomous means to track the position of wheeled objects, reducing errors and preventing unauthorized movement by integrating navigation within the wheel of the object.
Implementation Method 1
the heading is determined with reference to the Earth's magnetic field by disposing magnetic sensors in or on the object
Data Source
AI summary
A navigation system uses a dead reckoning method to estimate an object's present position relative to one or more prior positions. In some embodiments, the dead reckoning method determines a change in position from the object's heading and speed during an elapsed time interval. In embodiments suitable for use with wheeled objects, the dead reckoning method determines the change in position by measuring the heading and the amount of wheel rotation. Some or all of the components of the navigation system may be disposed within a wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.