Distance Measuring System Malfunction Detection via Frequency Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems face challenges in reliably detecting sensor malfunctions to prevent collisions with humans, as duplicating sensors for redundancy is costly and prone to errors due to spatial overlap issues.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring system using a frequency-variable scanning signal, with two operating modes for computing distances based on frequency differences, allowing for malfunction detection without physical redundancy, and enabling timely intervention in robot movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant sensors are used to detect sensor malfunctions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching between different operating modes (first and second modes) of the same sensor. The sensor dynamically changes its operational parameters (such as frequency modulation characteristics) to perform measurements in different modes, enabling malfunction detection without adding physical redundant sensors. This resolves the contradiction by achieving reliability through operational redundancy rather than physical redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the operating parameters of the sensor between first and second operating modes. Specifically, the frequency modulation rate or other critical parameters are changed to produce different measurement characteristics. This allows the system to detect malfunctions by comparing measurements from different parameter states, eliminating the need for duplicate sensors while maintaining detection reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If redundant sensors are placed farther apart to cover more spatial regions, then measurement coverage is improved, but reliability decreases due to incomplete spatial overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between operating modes to effectively probe different spatial regions with the same physical sensor. By changing operational parameters, the sensor can measure distances or detect objects at different effective ranges, creating a dynamic spatial coverage that maintains overlap and reliability without requiring multiple physically separated sensors.
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
This approach allows for reliable and cost-effective malfunction detection, enabling safe operation of robots by evaluating the correspondence between computed distances in different modes, thereby preventing potential injuries.
Implementation Method 1
an analysis unit for computing a distance to an object reflecting the scanning signal on the basis of a difference between the frequencies of the emitted and the received scanning signal
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring system includes: at least one emitter, which emits a frequency-variable scanning signal; at least one receiver; and an analysis unit for computing a distance to an object reflecting the scanning signal on the basis of a difference between the frequencies of the emitted and the received scanning signal. The rate of change of the frequency of the scanning signal in a first operating mode of the distance measuring system has a first finite value. The rate of change of the frequency in a second operating mode has a second finite value. The analysis unit is configured to compute a first distance on the basis of a frequency difference ascertained in the first operating mode, to compute a second distance on the basis of a frequency difference ascertained in the second operating mode, and to evaluate the correspondence between first and second computed distance.