Floor Treatment Device Docking Using Signal-Based Position Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil tillage systems face challenges in reliably and efficiently docking self-propelled and self-steering tillage implements with base stations, often resulting in longer travel distances and potential misalignment due to complex navigation strategies and reliance on map navigation and additional sensor technology.
Innovation Solution
A method where the control unit of the tillage implement calculates its actual position relative to the base station using distinct signal characteristics from multiple transmitter elements, determining a target area and guiding the implement into a docking position with precision, thereby simplifying the docking process and reducing unnecessary travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If map navigation and additional sensor technology are used for docking, then the tillage implement can locate the base station, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the docking guidance function from complex map navigation systems and implements it through simple transmitter elements at the base station that emit docking signals. The receiving device on the tillage implement only needs to detect these signals and follow the signal gradient, eliminating the need for complex sensors and map-based navigation while maintaining reliable docking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces docking signals as an intermediary communication medium between the base station and the tillage implement. These signals serve as a simple mediator that guides the implement to the base station without requiring complex navigation systems, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable docking through signal-based guidance.
2Reliability
If complex navigation strategies are used for docking, then the tillage implement can approach the base station, but the travel distance increases and docking time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The tillage implement autonomously follows the docking signal gradient to reach the base station without requiring complex pre-planned navigation strategies. The system self-adjusts its path by continuously detecting signal strength and direction, automatically optimizing the approach route to minimize travel distance and docking time while maintaining reliable docking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the receiving device continuously monitors docking signal characteristics and provides real-time information to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the tillage implement's movement based on this feedback, enabling dynamic path optimization that reduces travel distance and docking time compared to static navigation strategies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving strategies are provided for docking, then the tillage implement can adapt to different situations, but the control unit may choose an incorrect strategy and delay docking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static pre-programmed driving strategies with a dynamic signal-following approach. The tillage implement continuously adapts its path by responding to real-time docking signal gradients, eliminating the need to pre-select among multiple strategies. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal docking performance in all situations without the risk of selecting an incorrect strategy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for docking a self-propelled and self-steering floor treatment device to a base station, wherein a particular docking signal spatially extended in a particular signal region is emitted by means of two or more transmitting elements of the base station, wherein the signal regions overlap in some sections and the docking signals each have a different signal characteristic, and wherein the docking signals are received by a receiving device of the floor treatment device and are analyzed by a control unit of the floor treatment device. According to the invention, in order to provide such a method that enables simple and reliable docking of the floor treatment device to the base station, the actual position of the floor treatment device in relation to the base station is calculated in consideration of the differing signal characteristic by means of the control unit, a travel path of the floor treatment device from the actual position to a characteristic target region at a specified or specifiable position in relation to the base station is determined, and the floor treatment device is moved to the characteristic target region, from which the floor treatment device is moved into a docking position against the base station. The invention further relates to a floor treatment system for performing the method.