Golf Caddy Control System Using Multi-Sensor Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-moving golf carts face challenges in maintaining synchronized speed with the player, particularly on uneven terrain, and existing control systems are prone to errors due to weather conditions and user attire, leading to instability and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A control system for self-moving carts that includes a proximity detection device with multiple sensors and a logic control unit to adjust motor speed based on the relative distance to the user, ensuring smooth operation and safety by maintaining a tolerance range and using a combination of sensors for accurate detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for proximity detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to errors from weather conditions and user attire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple different types of sensors (ultrasonic, infrared, laser, or capacitive sensors) into a single integrated detection system. This merging of diverse sensing modalities allows the system to cross-validate measurements and maintain high measurement precision while compensating for individual sensor limitations caused by weather conditions and user attire variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sensing approach by integrating multiple sensor types with different operating principles. This composite sensor system leverages the strengths of each sensor type (acoustic, optical, electromagnetic, or capacitive fields) to achieve robust and accurate distance measurement across varying environmental conditions, effectively creating a multi-modal sensing composite.
2Ease of operation
If the cart operates independently with automatic follow functionality, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to control instability and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous feedback control mechanism where the proximity detection system constantly monitors the distance between the cart and user, and the control unit dynamically adjusts cart speed based on real-time distance measurements. This closed-loop feedback ensures the cart maintains a safe following distance and responds reliably to user presence, preventing control instability while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates safety mechanisms that anticipate potential control failures or unstable conditions. The system pre-establishes safe operating parameters, minimum following distances, and emergency stop conditions to cushion against reliability issues before they manifest, ensuring stable and safe automatic operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cart maintains a fixed following distance, then the stability is improved, but the adaptability worsens when terrain or user speed varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed-distance following model to a dynamic adaptive following system. The control unit continuously adjusts the following distance based on real-time inputs from the proximity detection system, terrain conditions, and user walking speed. This dynamic adjustment maintains stability by adapting the distance parameter to current operating conditions rather than maintaining a rigid fixed distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the following distance based on detected conditions. The system modifies operational parameters (following distance, speed, acceleration) in response to varying terrain and user behavior, allowing the cart to adapt to different golf course conditions while maintaining stable and safe operation through controlled parameter adjustments.
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
The system ensures smooth and safe operation of the cart by maintaining synchronized speed with the user, reducing the risk of accidents and providing reliable control under various conditions, allowing the user to walk freely without constant interaction with the cart.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity detection device (4) facing the rear side of the cart, with respect to the travelling direction, so as to detect a relative distance to a user who follows the cart
Data Source
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AI summary
A control apparatus for a self-moving cart is disclosed, in particular a golf caddy, comprising at least a speed control of a motor (M) onboard the cart and a logical control unit which adjusts said speed control of said motor (M) based on the relative position of a reference user, furthermore comprising a proximity detection device (4) meant to face the rear side of the cart, with respect to the travelling direction, so as to detect a relative distance with respect to a user following the cart, said logical control unit being configured so as to determine said speed control depending on said detected relative distance so that it is maintained in a tolerance range defined by a maximum distance (Dmax) and a minimum distance (Dmin), wherein said minimum distance (Dmin) is such as to enable the user to operatively reach on/off means (5) of said apparatus meant to be installed onboard said cart, wherein said logical control unit controls said motor acting on - increase and decrease of a "basic power" of the motor, in a typical time function of said detected relative distance and function of the absolute travelling speed, - increase and decrease of a "temporary power" which is inversely proportional to said detected relative distance, said basic power being of a value of the magnitude order of the power drained by the cart movement frictions, while said temporary power being of the magnitude order of the power drained by the cart acceleration inertia forces.