Manipulator Sensor Mode Switching for Obstacle Avoidance and Target Location

Solution Overview

Problem

Automated case-handling mobile robots in warehouses require two sets of sensors for position calculation and obstacle avoidance, and target object identification, leading to high implementation costs.

Innovation Solution

A robot control method that uses a single set of detection sensors to determine the current operating mode and generate control instructions for both movement and interaction modes, allowing the robot to avoid obstacles and locate and manipulate target objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two sets of sensors are configured for environmental information collection and target object identification, then the robot can perform both movement and interaction functions, but the implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobot functional versatilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between movement mode and interaction mode. In movement mode, it collects environmental information for navigation and obstacle avoidance. In interaction mode, it identifies and locates target objects. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor sets, reducing system complexity while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection sensor's detection direction is dynamically adjusted based on the robot's operating mode. During movement, the detection direction follows the robot's movement direction. During interaction, the detection direction is adjusted to scan within a preset angle range to locate target objects. This dynamic adaptability allows a single sensor to effectively perform both environmental monitoring and target identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If two sets of sensors are configured for environmental information collection and target object identification, then the robot can perform both movement and interaction functions, but the material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobot functional versatilityVSAvoidsensor quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between movement mode and interaction mode. In movement mode, it collects environmental information for navigation and obstacle avoidance. In interaction mode, it identifies and locates target objects. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor sets, reducing system complexity while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of environmental information collection and target object identification into a single detection sensor system. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified sensor with mode-switching capability, the total quantity of sensors is reduced from two sets to one set, directly lowering material costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If two sets of sensors are configured for environmental information collection and target object identification, then the robot can perform both movement and interaction functions, but the space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobot functional versatilityVSAvoidsensor arrangement space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between movement mode and interaction mode. In movement mode, it collects environmental information for navigation and obstacle avoidance. In interaction mode, it identifies and locates target objects. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor sets, reducing system complexity while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of environmental information collection and target object identification into a single detection sensor system. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified sensor with mode-switching capability, the total quantity of sensors is reduced from two sets to one set, directly lowering material costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240157549A1Robot control method, robot and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 HAI ROBOTICS CO LTD

AI summary

This application provides a robot control method, a robot and a storage medium. According to the method, a current operating mode of the robot is determined, and then a control instruction corresponding to the operating mode is determined based on detection data obtained by a detection sensor arranged on a manipulator mechanism of the robot, so as to control the robot. In this way, the detection data obtaining function in various operating modes can be realized through one set of detection sensors, which not only can reduce the cost of materials for the robot, but also can save space in the robot for arrangement of sensors and wires.