Mobile Robot LiDAR Frequency Switching for Accurate Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robot devices face challenges in accurately docking with wireless charging stations due to inaccurate identification of the docking point, leading to inefficiencies and potential overheating from high current charging.
Innovation Solution
The mobile robot device adjusts the scanning frequency of its LiDAR sensor based on the distance to the charging station, allowing for more precise docking by decreasing the frequency when close proximity is detected, and uses power exchange to confirm accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the mobile robot device uses a fixed high scanning frequency of the LiDAR sensor, then the docking point can be detected quickly, but the docking accuracy decreases when close to the charging station
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR sensor scanning frequency is dynamically adjusted based on the distance to the charging station. When the robot is far from the charging station, the scanning frequency is set to a first (higher) frequency for quick detection. When the robot approaches within a threshold distance, the scanning frequency is reduced to a second (lower) frequency to improve docking point identification accuracy. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between detection speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning frequency parameter of the LiDAR sensor is changed based on the distance parameter. The system transitions from a first scanning frequency to a second scanning frequency when the distance to the charging station falls within a threshold range. This parameter change allows the system to optimize both detection speed and accuracy at different stages of the docking process.
2Speed
If the mobile robot device uses a high scanning frequency of the LiDAR sensor when close to the charging station, then the docking detection is fast, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR sensor scanning frequency is dynamically adjusted based on the distance to the charging station. When the robot is far from the charging station, the scanning frequency is set to a first (higher) frequency for quick detection. When the robot approaches within a threshold distance, the scanning frequency is reduced to a second (lower) frequency to improve docking point identification accuracy. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between detection speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning frequency parameter of the LiDAR sensor is changed based on the distance parameter. The system transitions from a first scanning frequency to a second scanning frequency when the distance to the charging station falls within a threshold range. This parameter change allows the system to optimize both detection speed and accuracy at different stages of the docking process.
3Productivity
If the mobile robot device performs wired charging with high current, then the charging speed is fast, but heat generation increases causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired charging system with a wireless charging system. Instead of using physical electrical contacts and high current transmission that generate heat, the system uses electromagnetic fields for power transfer. This substitution eliminates the heat generation problem associated with high-current wired charging while maintaining fast charging capability.
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 method enhances docking accuracy and charging efficiency by ensuring precise alignment and reducing heat generation during wireless charging.
Implementation Method 1
a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor that obtains a position relative to a charging station based on a result obtained by scanning a surrounding environment or space of the mobile robot device using a first frequency
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
A mobile robot device and a method for controlling a mobile robot device to more accurately control positioning of the mobile robot device relative to a docking station. The mobile robot device obtains a first position relative to a docking station by scanning surroundings of the mobile robot device using a LiDAR sensor emitting a first frequency, moves the mobile robot device towards the charging station based on the first position, determines whether a distance to the charging station is within a first distance, controls the LiDAR sensor to scan the surroundings of the mobile robot device by changing a frequency of the LiDAR sensor to a second frequency less than the first frequency when the mobile robot device approaches within the first distance, and moves the mobile robot device towards the charging station based on the LiDAR sensor emitting the second frequency.