Lawn Mower Robot Multi-Signal Navigation for Charging Station Docking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lawn mower robots face challenges in accurately and efficiently returning to their charging stations, especially in wide outdoor environments, due to limitations in position recognition and communication, leading to increased travel time and potential discharge of driving power.
Innovation Solution
A moving robot system that uses a combination of reception results from multiple transmission signals and magnetic field sensing to determine the direction and path to the charging station, allowing for accurate and efficient navigation and docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the robot uses only communication signals to locate the charging station, then the system is simple, but position recognition accuracy deteriorates in wide outdoor areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning methods (communication signals from beacons, visual recognition of the charging station, and magnetic field sensing) into a unified positioning system. This integration allows the robot to leverage the strengths of each method while compensating for their individual weaknesses, particularly in wide outdoor areas where single-method positioning fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary elements deployed throughout the outdoor area. These beacons transmit communication signals that provide intermediate positioning references, enabling the robot to triangulate its position and navigate toward the charging station even over long distances where direct communication may be insufficient.
2Reliability
If the robot searches for the charging station by traveling until found, then position determination is possible, but travel time increases and driving power may be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robot continuously receives communication signals from multiple beacons, calculates its position based on signal strength and timing, and adjusts its travel direction accordingly. This real-time feedback enables the robot to navigate directly toward the charging station rather than searching randomly, significantly reducing travel time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning calculations using beacon signals before the robot reaches the charging station. By determining the charging station's location and the robot's relative position in advance through communication signals, the robot can plan an optimal path and avoid unnecessary traveling, ensuring it reaches the charging station with sufficient power.
3Measurement precision
If beacons are installed at boundary portions for position recognition, then position determination improves, but device complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beacons in the patent serve multiple functions: they define boundary portions of the travel area, provide position reference points for triangulation, and act as communication nodes for determining the robot's location. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each purpose, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving improved position recognition.
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 system enables the robot to quickly and accurately move to and dock at the charging station, reducing unnecessary travel time and ensuring reliable operation and power charging.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver 12 that receives a plurality of transmission signals transmitted from the charging station 500
Implementation Method 2
a sensing unit 13 that senses a magnetic field state at a point in which the main body 10 is located
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a moving robot, a moving robot system, and a method for moving to a charging system of the moving robot, wherein the moving robot moves to the charging system based on a reception result obtained by receiving a plurality of transmission signals transmitted from the charging station and a sensing result obtained by sensing a magnetic field state.