Mobile robot, docking station, and robot system having same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile robot docking systems face signal interference issues when multiple stations are used in close proximity, leading to malfunctions and inaccurate docking, limiting the simultaneous use of multiple robots and stations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot and docking station system that employs power line communication for bidirectional communication, using a server to assign identification information and transmission times to prevent signal overlap, ensuring accurate docking and reducing collisions between robots and stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple docking stations are disposed within a certain range to serve multiple mobile robots, then the service coverage and productivity are improved, but signal interference occurs between stations leading to docking malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where each docking station transmits docking signals in alternating time slots. Station A transmits in the first time slot, Station B in the second time slot, and this pattern repeats. This periodic action ensures that signals from multiple stations do not overlap in time, eliminating interference while maintaining service coverage for multiple robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary registration where each mobile robot is pre-associated with its designated docking station. The robot stores identification information of its matched station, and during operation, it selectively receives signals only from its registered station. This preliminary action prevents robots from being misled by signals from other stations, ensuring reliable docking even when multiple stations operate in proximity.
2Productivity
If multiple mobile robots autonomously navigate to their respective docking stations simultaneously, then the productivity and efficiency are improved, but signal interference causes robots to receive wrong docking signals and move to incorrect stations
Solution Approach 1:
Docking signals are transmitted in periodic time slots where only one station transmits at a time. During the first time slot, Station A transmits its signal while Station B remains silent. During the second time slot, Station B transmits while Station A remains silent. This periodic transmission pattern ensures that robots can accurately receive signals without interference, even when multiple robots navigate simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where mobile robots transmit their identification information to docking stations, and stations respond with acknowledgment signals. This bidirectional feedback allows robots to confirm they are receiving signals from their correct matched station, ensuring signal reception accuracy during simultaneous navigation operations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional docking systems use wireless signals for communication, then the ease of operation is improved, but signal interference between adjacent stations causes malfunctions and limits simultaneous use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies time-division multiplexing to wireless communication, where docking signals from different stations are transmitted in alternating time slots. This periodic action maintains the convenience of wireless communication while eliminating signal interference by ensuring that only one station transmits at any given moment, allowing multiple stations to operate simultaneously without malfunctions.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot system according to an aspect of the present disclosure may comprise: a plurality of mobile robots; a plurality of docking stations; and a server that assigns identification information and a docking signal dispatch time to a plurality of registered docking stations, and transmits docking signal information including the identification information and the docking signal dispatch time to the plurality of mobile robots corresponding to each of the plurality of docking stations.