Inductive Dock Alignment for Autonomous Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous mobile devices (AMDs) face challenges in reliably docking due to the need for active docks with sensors and emitters, which increase production costs and power consumption, and the main sensors become inaccessible during the final phase of docking, leading to potential failures from minor variations in trajectory and wheel slippage.
Innovation Solution
A passive dock system with integrated inductive sensors on the AMD that detects metallic targets to facilitate the final phase of docking, allowing the AMD to align and stop without active guidance, using a combination of inductive sensors and inertial measurement units to ensure accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active docks with sensors and emitters are used for docking, then docking guidance and reliability are improved, but production costs and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary passive metallic target on the dock that works with an inductive sensor on the AMD to enable docking guidance. This intermediary target simplifies the dock structure while maintaining reliable docking through the sensor-target interaction, resolving the contradiction between docking reliability and dock complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the active mechanical/electronic guidance system (sensors and emitters on the dock) with an inductive sensing system that uses electromagnetic fields to detect the metallic target. This substitution reduces the mechanical and electronic complexity of the dock while maintaining docking guidance capability
2Reliability
If active docks with sensors and emitters are used for docking, then docking guidance and reliability are improved, but production costs and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passive metallic target on the dock requires no power to function, and the inductive sensor on the AMD provides the necessary electromagnetic field for detection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for powered components on the dock, reducing power consumption while maintaining docking guidance and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The passive metallic target acts as an energy-free intermediary that enables docking guidance without requiring power consumption at the dock, resolving the contradiction between docking reliability and power consumption
3Measurement precision
If main sensors are used during final docking phase, then navigation accuracy is maintained, but sensors become inaccessible leading to potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the docking process into two phases: initial navigation using main sensors, and final docking using the inductive sensor system. This segmentation allows each system to operate in its optimal range, maintaining precision while ensuring reliability through the specialized final-phase system that doesn't suffer from the inaccessibility problem
4Ease of manufacture
If passive dock with metallic targets is used, then production costs and power consumption are reduced, but inductive sensor detection precision may be affected by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive metallic target that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the passive dock structure. This approach prioritizes ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness, accepting that the system is optimized for controlled environments where environmental contaminants are minimized
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 reduces production costs, power consumption, and enhances docking reliability by allowing the main sensors to remain accessible, enabling efficient battery recharging and payload transfer while maintaining robust operation against environmental contaminants like dust and dirt.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive sensor to detect a metallic target of the dock
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mobile device (AMD) may move around a physical space performing various tasks. Most of the sensors on the AMD may be directed towards the front and sides of the AMD to facilitate autonomous navigation, interactions with users, and so forth. The AMD may return to a dock to recharge batteries, replenish consumables, transfer payload, and so forth. The AMD uses the sensors to approach the vicinity of the dock. Once in the vicinity, the AMD turns around and backs into the dock. This orientation allows the AMD to continue to operate the forward-facing sensors and interact with users while docked. The AMD uses inductive sensors to detect metallic targets located at particular positions in the dock. Output from the inductive sensors provides information about the relative position of the AMD with respect to the dock and is used to steer the AMD into a desired docked position.