Induction Line Steering Control for Autonomous Vehicle Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional autonomous travelling systems using electromagnetic induction lines require large-scale laying construction work, large power sources for long-distance induction lines, and struggle with maintaining vehicle alignment with the induction line.

Innovation Solution

A steering control system for vehicles that detects magnetic fields from electromagnetic induction lines, using multiple induction line detection sensors and a control device to generate travelling control signals, ensuring the vehicle stays aligned with the induction line without deviating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic induction lines are used for autonomous travelling, then vehicle navigation and alignment are enabled, but large-scale laying construction work and large power sources are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle alignment with induction lineVSAvoidlarge-scale laying construction and power source
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the long electromagnetic induction line into multiple short segments. Each segment is independently powered and controlled, eliminating the need for a single large-scale power source and reducing construction complexity while maintaining reliable vehicle alignment through distributed sensor coverage along the segmented path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from using a continuous linear induction line to using multiple discrete segmented sections distributed along the travel path. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve the same navigation function with reduced infrastructure requirements by placing sensors at multiple positions rather than relying on a single continuous line

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

2Reliability

If electromagnetic induction lines are used for autonomous travelling, then vehicle navigation is enabled, but the system cannot travel on paths outside the induction line path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle navigation along induction lineVSAvoidtravel path flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the induction line into multiple independent sections, the system can selectively activate different segments to create flexible travel paths. This allows the vehicle to navigate various routes by combining different segments, enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliable navigation through the segmented electromagnetic field detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented induction line system serves multiple functions: it can define different travel paths by activating different segments, accommodate various vehicle types, and provide both guidance and power. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different travel requirements without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If deviation control from electromagnetic induction line is implemented, then vehicle alignment is maintained, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle alignment with induction lineVSAvoidsteering control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places induction line detection sensors at specific local positions (front, rear, left, right) rather than uniformly distributed. This localized sensor placement provides sufficient deviation detection information with fewer sensors, reducing control system complexity while maintaining reliable vehicle alignment through targeted measurement points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors vehicle deviation from the induction line using detection sensors and automatically adjusts steering to correct deviations. This closed-loop feedback control maintains reliable alignment while using simple proportional control logic that minimizes control system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables autonomous travel along electromagnetic induction lines without the need for extensive infrastructure or large power sources, effectively maintaining vehicle alignment and ensuring reliable navigation.

Implementation Method 1

detects a magnetic field generated from an electromagnetic induction line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

detects an AC magnetic field generated thereby by means of two magnetic sensors disposed at equal intervals to the left and right relative to the center line of the vehicle, determines the position of the electromagnetic induction line by detecting the induced electromotive force generated at the two magnetic sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250123629A1Vehicle, System for Steering Control, Method, Program, Recording Medium Storing Program, and Autonomous Travelling System
Publication Date: 2025.04.17 MAMIYA
  • US20250123629A1 patent drawing
  • US20250123629A1 patent drawing
  • US20250123629A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A steering control system for a vehicle that detects a magnetic field generated from an electromagnetic induction line and that is capable of autonomous travelling along said electromagnetic induction line, where the steering control system includes: a plurality of induction line detection sensors attached to said vehicle; and a control device that, for every control cycle and on the basis of a deviation of said vehicle from said electromagnetic induction line calculated from detection data acquired by said plurality of induction line detection sensors, generates and outputs a travelling control signal that causes said vehicle to turn so as to cancel the deviation or causes said vehicle to advance straight forward, wherein a deviation detection reference point of said plurality of induction line detection sensors is disposed at a position separated from a pivot serving as the turning center of said vehicle.