Modular Mounting System for Automatic Spatial Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and managing inventory and objects within facilities, such as warehouses and retail stores, face challenges in accurately determining the spatial location of modular devices like sensors and emitters, which is crucial for efficient operation but often requires time-consuming and error-prone manual measurement.
Innovation Solution
A spatially aware mounting system comprising modular sections that can couple with each other and exchange information, generating spatial coordinates automatically with minimal user intervention, allowing for quick and accurate determination of device placement and facilitating inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement is used to determine spatial location of modular devices, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular sections automatically determine their own spatial coordinates and exchange location information with neighboring sections without requiring external manual measurement. The system self-configures by having each section identify its position relative to others through automated communication protocols, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual surveying while maintaining accurate spatial tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with an automated electronic system. Modular sections use electronic communication to exchange spatial coordinate data, substituting the mechanical act of manual measurement and recording with an automated digital information exchange system that rapidly determines spatial relationships.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement and configuration is used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically configures itself by having modular sections independently determine and communicate their spatial coordinates. Each section autonomously identifies its position and exchanges this information with neighboring sections, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration procedures and reducing the expertise required for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are pre-equipped with the capability to determine and communicate their spatial coordinates. This preliminary preparation allows the system to automatically configure itself upon assembly, eliminating the need for complex post-installation measurement and configuration activities.
3Productivity
If automated spatial coordinate generation is implemented, then productivity increases and loss of time decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the actual physical connections between modular sections to determine spatial coordinates. By measuring and communicating the actual distances and orientations achieved during assembly, the system adapts to manufacturing tolerances and achieves accurate spatial tracking that reflects the real-world configuration rather than relying on idealized theoretical positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spatial coordinate system is dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adapt to the actual assembled configuration of modular sections. The system can accommodate variations in manufacturing precision by continuously determining spatial relationships based on the actual positions and orientations of connected sections, rather than relying on fixed predetermined coordinates.
Data Source
AI summary
Knowing a location of a sensor or other device may be useful in a variety of settings. Described herein are devices and techniques for using modular sections of known dimensions that are configured to couple to one another at predetermined coupling positions. The modular sections may intercommunicate to provide data identifying adjacent modular sections, the respective coupling positions, and where on each of the modular sections a device is attached. By analyzing this data, two- or three-dimensional arrangement data of the modular sections and devices may be generated. Using information about the physical dimensions of the modular sections, spatial coordinates indicative of where the devices are located in space may be determined. As devices or modular sections are added, removed, or replaced, the arrangement and the corresponding spatial coordinates may be updated to reflect the changes.