Mobile Robot Bumper Impact Detection with Magnetic Deformation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robots face challenges in accurately identifying the location of obstacles during operation, which hinders their ability to navigate around or avoid them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bumper system with magnets and sensors is integrated into the mobile robot, allowing the bumper to deform upon impact and generate signals detected by sensors, enabling the controller to determine the impact location by comparing these signals to reference data sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bumper is made rigid to protect the robot body, then protection capability is improved, but the ability to detect impact location is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is divided into multiple segments or zones with different mechanical properties. Some portions are rigid for protection while others are flexible or deformable to enable sensor detection. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper incorporates flexible materials or thin film structures that can deform under impact forces. This flexibility enables the bumper to transmit impact information to sensors while still providing protective function, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and detectability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to detect impact location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Existing bumper components serve dual functions: structural protection and sensor mounting platforms. The bumper structure itself becomes part of the sensing system, eliminating the need for separate complex sensor assemblies and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is merged with the bumper structure rather than being separate add-ons. Sensors are integrated into the bumper assembly, sharing common mounting structures and signal processing pathways, which reduces the number of independent components and simplifies the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If the bumper is constrained to inhibit translation, then measurement precision is improved, but the bumper's ability to absorb impact is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint system is segmented to allow localized deformation at impact points while maintaining overall positional stability. Different portions of the bumper have different constraint levels, enabling both precise measurement and effective force absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The constraint mechanism is made dynamic rather than completely rigid. It provides controlled resistance that allows the bumper to deform elastically under impact, absorbing energy while still maintaining enough stability for accurate sensor measurements.
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 allows the mobile robot to accurately identify obstacle locations, enabling it to adjust its path and avoid obstacles in real-time, enhancing its operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The bumper can include one or more magnets attached thereto and the robot body can include one or more sensors attached thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a location of an impact event for a mobile robot. The mobile robot can include a robot body and a bumper. The bumper configured to bend in response to an impact event. The method can include receiving a first signal from a proximity sensor attached to the robot body. The first signal can be indicative of a first distance between the bumper and the robot body at a first location of the bumper. The method can also include receiving a second signal from the proximity sensor attached to the robot body. The second signal can be indicative of a second distance between the bumper and the robot body at a second location of the bumper. The method can also include determining the location of the impact event by comparing the first signal and the second signal to at least one of a plurality of reference signals.