Dual Magnetic Antenna Docking Alignment for Mobile Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobile robots face challenges in accurately aligning with charging stations for efficient docking and charging, particularly when the magnetic field antennae responses differ, leading to misalignment and inefficient charging processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic field antenna system with two antennae responsive to magnetic field pulses, allowing the robot to reorient itself based on signal strength and duration differences, enabling precise alignment and efficient docking with a charging station, which includes a controller to execute instructions for navigation and charging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single magnetic field antenna is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision with the charging station deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field antenna system is segmented into two separate antennas positioned at different locations on the robot. Each antenna independently detects magnetic field pulses from the charging station, providing spatially distributed measurement data that enables precise alignment through comparison of signal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple antennas with the charging station's magnetic field emitter system to create an integrated docking and charging solution. The same magnetic field pulses used for alignment detection are also used for wireless power transfer, merging navigation and charging functions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic field antennas are used, then the alignment precision with the charging station is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field antenna system serves multiple functions: detecting alignment with the charging station, determining relative position through signal strength comparison, and enabling wireless power reception. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and offsets the complexity of using multiple antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's controller automatically processes the magnetic field signals from multiple antennas, computes alignment status, and adjusts the robot's orientation without external intervention. The system self-corrects misalignment by comparing signals and autonomously navigating to the optimal docking position.
3Measurement precision
If the robot continuously adjusts orientation during docking, then the alignment precision is improved, but the docking time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs periodic orientation adjustments based on continuous magnetic field signal monitoring. The controller samples signals at regular intervals, compares antenna responses, and makes corrective orientation changes only when misalignment is detected, rather than continuously adjusting, thus reducing unnecessary motion and docking time.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field antenna system provides real-time feedback on alignment status by comparing signals from multiple antennas. The controller uses this feedback to determine when the robot is properly aligned with the charging station, enabling precise docking without excessive adjustment iterations.
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 autonomous mobile robots to accurately align and dock with charging stations, facilitating efficient battery charging and reducing misalignment issues, while also allowing for cost-effective magnetic field antenna systems that detect magnetic fields along a single axis, lowering component costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic field antenna system responsive to a magnetic field pulse to generate a first signal, and a second magnetic field antenna system responsive to the magnetic field pulse to generate a second signal. The magnetic field pulse is emitted by a magnetic field emitter system in the environment.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mobile robot includes a drive system to maneuver the autonomous mobile robot about an environment, a first magnetic field antenna system responsive to a magnetic field pulse to generate a first signal, and a second magnetic field antenna system responsive to the magnetic field pulse to generate a second signal. The magnetic field pulse is emitted by a magnetic field emitter system in the environment. The autonomous mobile robot further includes a controller to execute instructions to perform operations including reorienting the autonomous mobile robot based on the first signal and the second signal.