Mobile GNSS Antenna Support for Precise RTK Boundary Definition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current satellite geolocation systems in land maintenance, such as gardening and agriculture, face limitations in accuracy and flexibility, particularly with Real Time Kinematics (RTK) configurations, which are rigid and require a fixed GNSS position detector and power supply, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to imprecise boundary definition of working areas.

Innovation Solution

A portable and flexible antenna module with a GNSS satellite position locator, integrated with a charging station and mobile support, allowing for adjustable installation and improved satellite signal reception, enabling centimeter-level accuracy and reducing costs by allowing the GNSS position detector to be used for multiple purposes and facilitating movement and protection from environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed GNSS position detector is used to define the reference station in RTK configuration, then position accuracy is improved, but device flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoiddevice flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed reference station into a mobile platform. The charging station with integrated GNSS antenna can be relocated to different positions within the working area, allowing the system to adapt to various operational requirements while maintaining RTK positioning accuracy. This mobility enables flexible deployment without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging station serves multiple functions: it charges the mobile device, provides a stable platform for the GNSS antenna, and acts as a mobile reference station. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixed infrastructure, improving both adaptability and system simplicity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a fixed structure is used to mount the GNSS position detector, then signal reception quality is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the GNSS antenna mounting function with the charging station. Instead of requiring separate fixed mounting structures, the charging station integrates both charging capability and antenna support, simplifying installation while ensuring optimal signal reception through elevated positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the GNSS position detector is placed in an open unobstructed location, then satellite signal reception is improved, but safety risks increase due to boundary definition imprecision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesatellite signal receptionVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time feedback from the mobile device's position data to dynamically adjust and refine the working area boundary definition. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures that even with mobile positioning, the system can accurately define safe operational boundaries, maintaining safety while allowing flexible signal reception locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4224273B1Mobile support comprising means for defining or simulating an encumbrance
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 STIGA S P A IN BREVE ANCHE ST SPA
  • EP4224273B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6A
  • EP4224273B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4224273B1 patent drawingFigure 4~18A

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile support (40) usable for the definition of a working area (1) for a mobile device (2) adapted to execute land maintenance operations. The mobile support (40) comprises a gripping portion (41) configured to allow the gripping of an operator, a bottom portion (43) and a longitudinally extended central body (42) interposed in connection between said gripping portion (41) and said bottom portion (43). The mobile support (40) comprises movement means (44) configured to support the mobile support (40) and constrained to the bottom portion (43) of the mobile support (40) and configured to allow, during a use condition of the mobile support (40), an advancement of the mobile support (40) keeping in contact with the ground. The mobile support (40) comprises a constraining portion (45) arranged at the bottom portion (43) of the mobile support (40) and configured to carry an antenna module (10).