Magnetic Floor Transceiver System for Millimeter Robot Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing localization systems for devices moved on a floor, such as camera robots and industrial robots, face challenges in achieving high positioning accuracy while requiring minimal maintenance and being resistant to dirt and abrasion.

Innovation Solution

A ground transceiver system with a large number of quasi-punctiform ground antennas and a transceiver tray that can detect at least two antennas simultaneously, using induction-based ground transceivers with no external power supply, and a modular design allowing for easy installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical tracking cameras with barcode targets are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system requires constant illumination and is sensitive to dirt and abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddirt and abrasion sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical tracking system with a magnetic field-based localization system. Instead of using optical cameras and barcode targets that require illumination and are sensitive to dirt, the invention uses ground transceivers with magnetic antennas that generate magnetic fields for position detection, eliminating the harmful effects of dirt and abrasion on optical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter basis from optical reflection to magnetic field induction. By using magnetic fields instead of light reflection, the system achieves positioning accuracy without being affected by illumination conditions or surface contamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If RF-ID transmitters with large antennas are used, then ease of operation is improved, but localization precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidlocalization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the antenna type from large RF-ID antennas to small magnetic induction antennas. By using magnetic field induction with compact antennas, the system achieves both ease of operation and high localization precision, resolving the trade-off between antenna size and positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If ground transceivers with external power supply are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidpower supply complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-powered ground transceivers that harvest energy from the movement of the movable device through magnetic induction. The ground transceivers generate their own operating energy from the relative motion, eliminating the need for external power supplies and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 achieves millimeter-precision positioning and orientation determination with reduced maintenance needs, resistance to dirt and abrasion, and high durability, enabling precise movement of robots and cameras in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

The ground transceivers are designed in such a way that operating energy can be generated from the movement of the movable device by means of electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2389757B1Localization system for determining a position of a device that can be moved on the floor
Publication Date: 2013.07.31 ROBOTICS TECH LEADERS
  • EP2389757B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2389757B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2389757B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a localization system for determining a position of a device that can be moved on a floor, comprising a floor transceiver system having a plurality of floor transceivers, each of which has floor antennas for marking position points within the floor level and a transceiver tray that is connected to the displaceable device and has a transmitting-receiving surface that is located opposite the floor and is suited to continuously, simultaneously determining the positions of at least two floor antennas within the transmitting-receiving surface.