Mobile Robot Docking Control Without Perimeter Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile robots used for grass cutting require a perimeter wire for docking, which is cumbersome to install and costly, and the docking process is inefficient due to the need for precise alignment of charging terminals.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot system that uses a plurality of antennas to communicate with a charging station and beacons, allowing for precise alignment and control of the docking process without the need for a perimeter wire, by determining the distance and direction to the charging station and correcting motion based on received communication signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a perimeter wire is installed around the working area for docking, then the mobile robot can locate and dock at the charging station, but the installation becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the docking guidance function from the perimeter wire system and relocates it to beacons and a charging station. The beacons are placed at corners of the working area while the charging station is positioned at the docking location, eliminating the need for continuous perimeter wire installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary elements that facilitate communication between the mobile robot and the charging station. The beacons transmit signals that enable the robot to determine its position and navigate to the charging station without requiring physical perimeter wire contact.
2Productivity
If precise alignment of charging terminals is required during docking, then charging efficiency is improved, but docking time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions through communication between the mobile robot and charging station. Before physical docking occurs, the robot receives position information from the charging station and performs preliminary positioning and orientation adjustments to ensure accurate terminal alignment, thereby reducing the time required during the actual docking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the mobile robot communicates with the charging station to obtain position information and adjust its position accordingly. The robot uses received signals to determine its location relative to the charging station and makes real-time adjustments to achieve precise alignment of charging terminals before completing the docking operation.
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 increases docking success rates, reduces docking time, and eliminates the need for additional sensors, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and simplifying management, while also eliminating the need for a perimeter wire installation, saving time and money.
Implementation Method 1
receive, through the plurality of antennas, a communication signal from a charging station
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mobile robot including a main body, a plurality of antennas in the main body, and at least one processor configured to: receive, through the plurality of antennas, a communication signal from the charging station, obtain information about a distance between the charging station and the mobile robot and information about a direction from the mobile robot to the charging station based on the received communication signal, receive information about a position of the charging station from the charging station, and control docking of the mobile robot at the charging station based on the obtained information about the distance between the charging station and the mobile robot, the obtained information about a direction from the mobile robot to the charging station, and the received information about a position of the charging station.