Mobile Robot Safety Zone Adaptation for Carried Object Size

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile robots face inefficiencies in configuring safety zones that accommodate various sizes and shapes of objects, leading to unnecessary limitations and performance degradation when carrying objects that do not require the full safety zone dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A safety sensor system that dynamically configures safety zones based on the actual dimensions, type, and shape of the object being carried, ensuring optimal and flexible safety zone settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed large safety zone is configured for mobile robots, then safety coverage is improved, but maneuverability and operational efficiency deteriorate when carrying smaller objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety coverageVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety zone configuration transitions from a fixed static definition to a dynamic adaptive one. The system continuously adjusts safety zone dimensions based on real-time object detection data, robot motion state, and environmental factors, enabling the safety zone to shrink or expand as needed rather than maintaining a constant conservative boundary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the parameters defining the safety zone (dimensions, shape, position) based on detected object characteristics such as size, shape, and weight. By changing these parameters dynamically according to actual conditions, the system achieves both comprehensive safety coverage for large objects and improved maneuverability for smaller objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a fixed large safety zone is configured for mobile robots, then safety coverage is improved, but operational efficiency and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety coverageVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety zone configuration transitions from a fixed static definition to a dynamic adaptive one. The system continuously adjusts safety zone dimensions based on real-time object detection data, robot motion state, and environmental factors, enabling the safety zone to shrink or expand as needed rather than maintaining a constant conservative boundary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the parameters defining the safety zone (dimensions, shape, position) based on detected object characteristics such as size, shape, and weight. By changing these parameters dynamically according to actual conditions, the system achieves both comprehensive safety coverage for large objects and improved maneuverability for smaller objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If safety zones are configured for various object sizes, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety zone configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsafety sensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The safety sensor system automatically performs object detection, attribute extraction, and safety zone configuration without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts by processing sensor data and computing appropriate safety zone parameters based on detected object characteristics, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure different safety zones for different objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The safety sensor system is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can detect various object types, extract multiple attributes (size, shape, weight), and generate appropriate safety zone configurations for all scenarios. This single unified system replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized configuration mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250296232A1Mobile robot apparatus, system, and method

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 REALSENSE INC

AI summary

For example, a processor of a mobile robot, e.g., a processor implemented by a safety sensor of the mobile robot, may configured to identify an intended object to be carried by the mobile robot. For example, the processor may be configured to determine whether the intended object is detected based, for example, on sensor information from at least one sensor of the mobile robot. For example, the processor may be configured to configure a safety zone for the mobile robot based on one or more attributes of the intended object, for example, based on a determination that the intended object is detected.