Laser-Guided Docking Alignment for Precise Mobile Robot Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing docking methods for apparatuses, such as spacecrafts and mobile robots, lack precision and efficiency in achieving accurate mechanical and electrical connections, particularly in scenarios where one apparatus is fixed and the other is moved for docking.
Innovation Solution
A docking apparatus equipped with a processor and photosensitive components that detect laser light emitted by an opposite-end apparatus to determine positional deviation, allowing the apparatus to move to a calibrated docking position using a target photosensitive component for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional docking methods (ring-cone, rod-cone, gripper-collision lock) are used, then the docking process can be completed, but the docking precision is insufficient and computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical docking methods (ring-cone, rod-cone, gripper-collision lock) with an optical detection system using photosensitive components and laser light. This substitution reduces computational complexity while improving docking precision by using optical signals to determine positional deviation and guide the docking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser light as an intermediary between the two apparatuses to be docked. The laser light serves as a reference signal that the photosensitive components detect to determine positional deviation, enabling precise docking without complex mechanical interactions or high computational requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple photosensitive components are used to detect laser light, then docking precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple photosensitive components arranged in specific patterns (linear array, two-dimensional array, or circular arrangement). Each component detects laser light from specific directions, and their collective signals determine the positional deviation. This segmentation improves detection precision while keeping each individual component simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The photosensitive components serve multiple functions: they detect laser light intensity, determine positional deviation, and guide the docking process. By making these components multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate detection and control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite using multiple components.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-precision docking is achieved through complex mechanical systems, then docking accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical positioning and adjustment systems with an optical detection and control system. The photosensitive components and laser light require minimal energy compared to mechanical actuators and sensors needed for high-precision mechanical docking, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining docking accuracy.
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
Improves docking precision and efficiency by reducing computational complexity and resource consumption, enabling accurate electrical connections between apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive component that receives a laser light, where the laser light is emitted by an opposite-end apparatus to be docked with the docking apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a docking apparatus, a mobile robot, and a docking method for the docking apparatus. The docking apparatus comprises a processor and a plurality of photosensitive devices electrically connected to the processor, wherein the processor determines, from the plurality of photosensitive devices, a photosensitive device receiving a laser light, the laser light being emitted by an opposite-end apparatus to be docked with the docking apparatus. The connection apparatus, according to a position offset between the photosensitive device receiving the laser light and a target photosensitive device, is controlled to move to a docking position calibrated by means of the target photosensitive device, such that the docking apparatus and the opposite-end apparatus are docked with each other. The embodiments help improve the accuracy of docking between the connection apparatus and the opposite-end apparatus.