Autonomous Mower Docking Control for Charging Station Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned working machines, such as lawn mowers, face challenges in properly aligning with charging stations, leading to ineffective battery charging due to inappropriate entrance postures.
Innovation Solution
A working system comprising a self-propelled working machine equipped with a traveling unit, detection unit, and information acquisition unit, which acquires user-input information about the station and area wire layout to set control parameters for the traveling unit, ensuring proper alignment and docking with the charging station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the working machine returns to the station based on electromagnetic wave detection, then the working machine can automatically recharge, but the entrance posture may be inappropriate leading to failed contact with the station
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by acquiring layout information about the station and area wire beforehand, then uses this information to pre-calculate and set the appropriate entrance posture and control parameters before the working machine actually reaches the station, ensuring reliable contact is achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the working machine's position relative to the station using electromagnetic wave detection, comparing the current posture against the pre-calculated optimal posture, and adjusting control parameters in real-time to achieve proper alignment and contact
2Device complexity
If the working machine uses fixed control parameters for traveling, then the control system is simple, but the entrance posture to the station cannot be controlled appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed control parameters to dynamic, adaptable control parameters that change based on the working machine's position, orientation, and distance to the station. The control parameters are adjusted in real-time according to layout information and detected position, enabling appropriate entrance posture control while maintaining manageable system complexity through algorithmic adaptation
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 system effectively controls the entrance posture of the working machine to the charging station, ensuring successful battery charging and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the working machine travels within the working area by detecting an electromagnetic wave from an area wire
Data Source
AI summary
A working system comprising a self-propelled working machine, an area wire for partitioning a working area of the working machine, and a station provided in the working area and configured to charge the working machine by connecting the working machine to the station, wherein the working machine comprises a traveling unit, a traveling control unit configured to control the traveling unit, a detection unit configured to detect the station, and an information acquisition unit, the information acquisition unit acquires input information which is input by a user, and the input information includes information indicating a layout of the station and the area wire for the station and its peripheral region, and the traveling control unit sets a control parameter of the traveling unit based on the input information in response to detection of the station by the detection unit.