Pulsed Current Demarcation for Robot Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic robot search systems, such as those for lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners, face interference from external magnetic fields due to the use of uninterrupted sinus wave currents, leading to operating issues and increased costs from frequency trimming components.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method using electrical cables with signal generators that transmit current pulses instead of continuous sinus waves, allowing the robot to detect magnetic fields and navigate effectively by recognizing changes in field direction, reducing interference and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uninterrupted sinus wave current is used to generate magnetic signals, then the sensing system can continuously detect the magnetic field for navigation, but the system becomes sensitive to external magnetic field interference and requires frequency trimming components that increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed current instead of continuous sinus wave current. The signal generator transmits current pulses at specific intervals, creating periodic magnetic field signals that are easier to distinguish from random external interference. This periodic pulsing allows the sensing system to detect signals only during active transmission windows, reducing susceptibility to continuous background magnetic noise while maintaining reliable navigation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of the current signal from continuous to pulsed mode. By switching from uninterrupted sinus waves to discrete current pulses with specific duty cycles, the system transforms the magnetic field generation pattern. This parameter change enables the sensing system to identify signals based on their periodic occurrence rather than continuous presence, thereby filtering out non-periodic external magnetic interference without requiring additional frequency trimming components
2Reliability
If continuous current is transmitted through the cable, then the magnetic field is always present for detection, but energy consumption increases and interference with neighboring systems occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic current pulses instead of continuous current transmission. The signal generator activates the current flow only during specific time intervals (pulse width), leaving the system in an off state between pulses. This periodic operation maintains signal detection capability during pulse windows while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation, as energy is consumed only during the brief pulse durations rather than continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains effective signal detection through continuous periodic pulsing rather than true continuous operation. By using sufficiently high pulse frequency and appropriate duty cycles, the system ensures that the magnetic field is regenerated continuously in a periodic manner, maintaining navigation reliability while allowing energy savings during the off portions of each cycle. This creates an effective continuity of useful action without the energy cost of true continuous current flow
3Reliability
If sinus wave current is used for magnetic field generation, then navigation signals are transmitted, but frequency trimming components are required which increases system cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for frequency trimming components by abandoning sinus wave current in favor of pulsed current. The signal generator produces simple rectangular current pulses that do not require precise frequency calibration or trimming circuits. This extraction of the problematic sinusoidal waveform and its associated trimming components simplifies the overall system architecture, reduces component count, and lowers cost while maintaining reliable magnetic field signal transmission for navigation
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 the robot to accurately navigate within defined areas while minimizing interference from external magnetic noise, improving operational reliability and reducing energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
Said signal generator transmits a current through said first cable, said current during a part of time being is in a state of rest were it is substantially constant, said state periodically being interrupted by at least one first characteristic current pulse
Implementation Method 2
Said sensing system detects at least one magnetic field being transmitted via said cable and propagating through the air
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an electronic search system for operating an automatic device, preferably an automatic lawnmower. The system comprises at least one first electrical cable (1,4,5,6) connected to at least one first signal generator (3,7,8) and at least one sensing system arranged on said device. Said sensing system detects at least one magnetic field being transmitted via said cable (1,4,5,6) and propagating through the air, the sensing system transmitting a processed signal to at least one driving element which contributes to the movements of said device in relation to a surface.