Rotatable Sensor Module for Mobile Robot Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous mobile robots face challenges in efficiently and accurately recognizing obstacles and mapping their environment due to the high cost and complexity of multiple sensors required for reliable navigation and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM).
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot system with a rotatable sensor module that includes a combination of sensors such as LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors, allowing for efficient sensor orientation and data acquisition by rotating specific sensors to detect non-detection areas and obstacles, thereby optimizing sensor usage and reducing the need for extensive sensor installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed to detect objects next to or behind the traveling path, then obstacle detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sensor module rotatable rather than fixed. The sensor module can rotate to change its detection direction, allowing a single sensor to cover multiple areas including the traveling path, side areas, and rear areas. This dynamic adjustment replaces the need for multiple fixed sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive obstacle detection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various sensors are further installed to detect objects next to or behind the traveling path, then detection coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single sensor module that can perform multiple detection functions through rotation. The same sensor module detects obstacles in the traveling path, side areas, and rear areas by changing its orientation. This multi-functional approach allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing the quantity of sensors needed while expanding detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable sensor module enables dynamic adjustment of detection coverage. By rotating the sensor module to different angles, the system can adaptively detect objects in various directions (front, side, rear) as needed, providing versatile detection coverage without requiring a fixed array of multiple sensors for each direction.
3Reliability
If a rotatable sensor module is used to detect non-detection areas, then obstacle recognition reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the sensor module from the main robot body through a rotation mechanism. This allows the sensor module to be independently controlled to rotate and detect specific areas. The segmentation enables the sensor to focus on non-detection areas (side and rear regions) independently, improving obstacle recognition reliability for these previously blind spots without requiring complex integration of multiple sensors into the main body structure.
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 approach enables effective obstacle recognition and avoidance with high reliability, reduces costs by minimizing the number of sensors needed, and enhances simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) capabilities, allowing for accurate position recognition and map generation.
Implementation Method 1
the light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor... determines a distance from an obstacle using a time difference between a time point at which ultrasonic waves are emitted and a time point at which the ultrasonic waves are reflected by an obstacle and return back to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic sensor determines a distance from an obstacle using a time difference between a time point at which ultrasonic waves are emitted and a time point at which the ultrasonic waves are reflected by an obstacle and return back to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an autonomous mobile robot including a main body, and a driving part positioned below the main body and configured to move the main body, wherein the driving part includes a rotation part that is rotatably provided and is configured to dispose a sensor module including one or more sensors outwards, a base positioned below the rotation part, and a driving wheel installed on the base, thereby embodying a sensing system with low cost and high efficiency.