Loop Wire Magnetic Field Marking for Shorter Robot Return Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Soil cultivation robots that use a current-conducting loop wire for area delimitation and return navigation often create a pronounced trace and inefficiently cover long distances due to repetitive paths, necessitating complex and expensive navigation systems to mitigate these issues.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a device that locally changes the magnetic field of the loop wire by manipulating the current flow or adding passive components like inductors or capacitors, allowing the robot to recognize specific signal curves and adjust its path without external navigation, thereby preventing repetitive tracing and optimizing return routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the robot follows the loop wire for return navigation, then the robot can automatically return to the base station, but the robot creates pronounced tracks and covers inefficiently long distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic return navigationVSAvoidwork area coverage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by modifying the magnetic field properties at specific locations along the loop wire. Marking elements with different magnetic field characteristics (strength, polarity, configuration) are placed at particular positions to create localized signal variations. This allows the robot to distinguish between different locations on the loop wire and execute specific actions (such as leaving the loop wire) at marked positions, thereby improving return route efficiency without requiring complex global navigation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-marking specific positions along the loop wire with elements that modify the magnetic field. These markings are placed in advance to indicate optimal return points or positions where the robot should deviate from the loop wire. The robot detects these pre-established magnetic signatures and executes predetermined actions, eliminating the need for real-time path optimization or complex navigation algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If complex navigation techniques are used to avoid repetitive paths, then the robot can cover the work area more efficiently, but the system becomes complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework area coverage efficiencyVSAvoidnavigation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic field modifications as an intermediary between the loop wire infrastructure and the robot's navigation system. Instead of implementing complex navigation algorithms in the robot, simple magnetic field markers are placed along the loop wire to guide the robot. The robot's detection system remains simple, only needing to sense magnetic field variations, while the intelligence is embedded in the physical marking elements rather than computational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables the robot to recognize and respond to specific magnetic field changes, allowing it to change direction and shorten its return path to the base station, reducing energy consumption and track formation without the need for complex navigation systems.

Implementation Method 1

by detecting a continuous or alternating magnetic field generated by the looped wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one means for locally changing the intensity of the generated magnetic field at at least one position along its length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field intensity modification: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

means for detecting the intensity of the magnetic field along the loop wire, means for detecting a signal curve of a changing intensity of the magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentEP4397166A1Device for local modification of a loop wire magnetic field and earth nail
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 AL KO GERATE
  • EP4397166A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4397166A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4397166A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (M) for locally changing the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the loop wire and a ground nail for fixing the loop wire.