Navigation systems and methods 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 blockages, such as GPS and RF tag systems.
Innovation Solution
A navigation system using dead reckoning methods, where the position of a wheeled object is estimated by measuring its heading and wheel rotation, with error correction and communication with external markers to prevent theft and track movement within confined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS or RF tag systems are used to track wheeled objects, then position tracking capability is provided, but cost and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wheeled object itself generates navigation data through its own wheel rotation sensors and heading sensors, eliminating the need for external GPS satellites or RF infrastructure. The object serves its own tracking needs by measuring its own motion parameters and calculating position changes autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic/electromagnetic systems (GPS receivers, RF transmitters) with a mechanical measurement system based on wheel rotation counting and heading angle sensing. This mechanical approach uses physical sensors that measure actual motion parameters directly, substituting complex electronic infrastructure with simpler mechanical measurement principles.
2Reliability
If GPS or RF tag systems are used to track wheeled objects, then position tracking capability is provided, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system uses inexpensive, simple sensors (wheel rotation encoders and magnetic heading sensors) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These basic mechanical and magnetic sensors are far cheaper than GPS receivers or RF tag systems, making the overall tracking system more cost-effective while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing motion of the wheeled object to generate tracking data without requiring expensive external infrastructure. By using the object's own movement to create the tracking signal, the system eliminates costly GPS satellites, RF towers, and associated maintenance infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If dead reckoning is used to estimate position, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but accumulated navigational error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wheel rotation and heading angle measurements, using this feedback to constantly update the position estimate. By processing real-time sensor data and comparing expected versus actual motion, the system can detect and correct drift before it accumulates significantly, maintaining accuracy without external reference points.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system performs periodic position calculations based on accumulated sensor data, resetting or recalculating the position estimate at regular intervals. This periodic processing prevents error accumulation by systematically refreshing the position calculation using fresh measurements, maintaining long-term accuracy despite the dead reckoning approach.
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 efficient means to track wheeled objects, reducing errors and infrastructure requirements while enabling anti-theft mechanisms and improved inventory management.
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.