Guide Wire Signal Control for Accurate Floor Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled vehicles used for ground or floor maintenance face inaccuracies in positioning due to alterations in the electromagnetic field generated by guide wires, leading to potential failure in reaching charging bases, and are susceptible to electromagnetic disturbances and resistance changes in the guide wire.
Innovation Solution
A control unit and method that adjust the voltage and current of the driving signal based on measured resistance to maintain a constant electromagnetic field intensity, using a Buck converter and H-bridge configuration, and include auxiliary signals for precise positioning and charging, ensuring robust signal transmission and accurate vehicle positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the guide wire resistance is used directly for positioning, then the system is simple, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to resistance alterations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously measures the guide wire resistance and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the driving signal characteristics. The measured resistance value is fed back to the control unit, which then modifies the driving signal voltage or current to compensate for resistance changes, thereby maintaining constant electromagnetic field intensity and ensuring accurate positioning throughout the guide wire's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the driving signal (voltage or current) based on the measured guide wire resistance. By adjusting these electrical parameters in real-time, the system compensates for resistance alterations in the guide wire, maintaining constant electromagnetic field intensity and positioning accuracy without requiring a completely new positioning methodology.
2Reliability
If the driving signal voltage is increased to compensate for resistance changes, then electromagnetic field intensity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the driving signal characteristics based on real-time resistance measurements rather than using a fixed high voltage. The control unit continuously adapts the voltage or current level to match the actual guide wire resistance, maintaining constant electromagnetic field intensity only when necessary and reducing energy consumption when resistance is low or stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism allows the system to respond only when resistance changes actually occur. The control unit monitors resistance continuously and adjusts the driving signal only when compensation is needed, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption during periods when the guide wire resistance is within acceptable ranges or changes are minimal.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic field intensity is kept constant by adjusting driving signal, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it measures guide wire resistance, processes the resistance data, determines appropriate compensation levels, generates adjusted driving signals, and monitors system performance. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves constant electromagnetic field intensity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the guide wire's own resistance characteristic as the basis for its own compensation mechanism. The control unit measures the resistance of the guide wire it is already using for positioning and automatically adjusts the driving signal based on this self-diagnosis, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or additional reference systems.
4Measurement precision
If the control unit continuously monitors resistance, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs resistance measurements and signal adjustments at periodic intervals rather than continuously. This periodic operation maintains positioning accuracy by detecting resistance changes when they occur, while significantly reducing processing energy consumption by allowing the system to operate in lower-power states between measurement cycles.
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 solution ensures precise and safe positioning of self-propelled vehicles, maintaining accurate navigation and charging efficiency despite changes in guide wire resistance and electromagnetic interference, enhancing operational reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a given electrical signal is transmitted as a result of an electromagnetic field diffusion that can be received by receivers on board the self-propelled vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a resistance measurement stage (303), connected to the output (301), configured to measure an electrical resistance (R) of the wire (201) when connected with the output (301)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control unit (300) for controlling a self-propelled vehicle (10), electrically connectable with at least one wire (201) delimiting a ground or floor (100) on which the self-propelled vehicle (10), when in use, carries out maintenance. The control unit (300) comprises at least one output (301) configured to be connected to the wire (201) and on which, when in use, a driving signal (30) is fed for the self-propelled vehicle (10), a power stage (302) connected to the output (301) and configured to feed the driving signal (30) on the output (301), and a resistance measurement stage (303), connected to the output (301), configured to measure an electrical resistance (R) of the wire (201) when connected to the output (301). According to the invention, the control unit (300) envisages an operational measurement configuration and an operational power supply configuration. In the operational measurement configuration, the control unit (300) varies, through the power stage (302), the voltage and/or the current of the driving signal (30) according to the electrical resistance (R) measured by the resistance measurement stage (303). In the operational power supply configuration, the control unit (300) performs, through the power stage (302), at least one generation step of a driving signal (30) for the self-propelled vehicle (10).