Holonomic Reference Point Control for Nonholonomic Robot Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nonholonomic robotic systems face limitations in navigating complex trajectories due to their restricted degrees of freedom, which are constrained by their nonholonomic properties, making it difficult to accurately move along target paths and route planning.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that determines a holonomic reference point on or nearby the robot, allowing for the application of linear transformations to route data based on the distance between this point and an initial reference point, enabling the use of multiple holonomic reference points at different locations to execute various movements along a target trajectory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If nonholonomic robots use traditional nonholonomic reference points for navigation, then the control system is simpler, but the navigation accuracy and route flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a virtual holonomic reference point as an intermediary between the robot's nonholonomic constraints and the navigation task. This virtual point allows the robot to navigate along any 2D trajectory by transforming the nonholonomic control problem into a holonomic one, improving navigation accuracy without requiring physical hardware modifications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reference frame parameters by defining a holonomic reference point that can move freely in 2D space, unlike traditional nonholonomic reference points constrained to the robot's body frame. This parameter transformation enables the robot to achieve higher navigation precision while maintaining computational tractability through modified error dynamics equations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If nonholonomic robots plan routes based on nonholonomic reference points, then the control constraints are fewer, but the number of navigable routes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute flexibilityVSAvoidroute planning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a dimensional freedom by allowing the reference point to operate in 2D space rather than being constrained to the robot's body-attached nonholonomic frame. This dimensional expansion enables the robot to navigate curved paths, sharp turns, and complex trajectories that were previously inaccessible, dramatically increasing route flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the navigation task into two independent components: (1) controlling the holonomic reference point to follow the desired trajectory using virtual holonomic constraints, and (2) deriving the robot's motion commands from the reference point's motion. This segmentation allows complex routes to be planned and executed more easily by decoupling the path planning from the nonholonomic constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If nonholonomic robots use holonomic reference points for navigation, then the degrees of freedom increase, but the computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegrees of freedomVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the computational problem by changing the parameters of the control system from body-fixed nonholonomic coordinates to holonomic reference frame coordinates. This parameter transformation reduces computational complexity by enabling the use of simpler holonomic control laws while achieving the same navigation objectives with increased degrees of freedom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical nonholonomic constraints with virtual holonomic constraints in the control algorithm. Instead of being limited by the physical differential drive constraints, the system uses computational models that allow holonomic motion planning, reducing the effective computational burden while increasing operational versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12193631B2Systems and methods for improved control of nonholonomic robotic systems
Publication Date: 2025.01.14 BRAIN CORP
  • US12193631B2 patent drawing
  • US12193631B2 patent drawing
  • US12193631B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for improved control of nonholonomic robotic systems are disclosed herein. According to at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a holonomic reference point on or nearby a nonholonomic robot may be determined and utilized to navigate the robot along a target trajectory. Due to the holonomicity of the reference point, control logic of the robotic system may be greatly simplified, thereby enhancing accuracy of navigation and navigation capabilities of nonholonomic robotic systems.