Mobile robot device and method for controlling mobile robot device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robot devices face challenges in accurately docking with wireless charging stations due to limitations in distance sensing, leading to inefficient charging and potential overheating from high transmission power.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot device equipped with a LiDAR sensor that adjusts its scanning frequency based on distance to the charging station, allowing for precise positioning and efficient docking by changing the frequency from a first to a second, and potentially a third, frequency to optimize sensing range and charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wired charging system is used to rapidly charge the mobile robot device, then charging speed is improved, but heat generation on the power receiver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired mechanical charging connection with a wireless charging system using electromagnetic fields. The mobile robot device includes a power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a charging station, eliminating the need for physical plugging and reducing heat generation associated with high-current wired connections.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If various distance sensors are used to detect the charging station, then detection capability is improved, but docking accuracy deteriorates when the docking point cannot be accurately identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic scanning approach where the LiDAR sensor changes its scanning frequency based on distance to the charging station. When the robot is far from the charging station, it scans at a lower frequency to cover larger areas efficiently. When approaching the charging station, the scanning frequency increases to precisely identify the docking point, thereby achieving both broad detection capability and high docking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scanning frequency parameter of the LiDAR sensor based on the distance to the charging station. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize between scanning speed and measurement precision at different stages of the docking process, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and docking accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the LiDAR sensor scans at high frequency to accurately identify the docking point, then positioning precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the LiDAR scanning frequency based on the robot's distance from the charging station. When far away, scanning occurs at lower frequency to conserve energy. As the robot approaches and needs precise positioning, the scanning frequency increases automatically. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between positioning precision and energy consumption by applying high precision only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scanning with variable frequency intervals. Instead of continuous high-frequency scanning, the system uses periodic scans that adapt their frequency based on distance, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining positioning precision when needed during the docking sequence.
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
The solution enables accurate recognition of the charging station's position and efficient docking, enhancing charging efficiency while reducing heat generation from power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor configured to emit first light of a first frequency and second light of a second frequency that is less than the first frequency
Data Source
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.