Robot Charging Pile Positioning for Precise Docking Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine room inspection robots face challenges in accurately determining the position of charging piles during the return process, leading to inefficient and inaccurate docking.

Innovation Solution

A guidance control method and device that utilizes multiple positioning circuits to calculate distances based on time delays of message exchanges between the robot and charging pile, determining the robot's position relative to the charging pile, and adjusting its path for precise docking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional positioning methods are used for robot docking, then the system complexity is low, but the docking precision and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent positioning circuits (first positioning circuit, second positioning circuit, third positioning circuit) distributed at different locations. Each circuit independently measures distance to the robot, and the results are combined to calculate the robot's position through triangulation, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping each individual circuit relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces positioning circuits as intermediary components that facilitate distance measurement between the robot and charging pile. These circuits act as mediators by transmitting positioning messages and calculating time delays, enabling accurate position determination without requiring direct complex interaction between the robot and charging pile control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the robot moves quickly to the charging pile, then the charging time is reduced, but the risk of collision increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoiddocking safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback through real-time position tracking. The positioning circuits continuously measure the robot's position and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the robot can dynamically adjust its speed and trajectory, allowing fast movement when safe and slow movement when approaching the docking point, thereby maintaining both high productivity and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The robot's movement parameters (speed, direction) are made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously calculates the robot's position and adjusts movement parameters in real-time based on the calculated position and distance to the charging pile, enabling the robot to optimize its path and speed dynamically to balance charging efficiency and collision avoidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the robot moves slowly to the charging pile, then collision risk is reduced, but the docking time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking safetyVSAvoiddocking time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Continuous position feedback enables the system to determine when the robot is on a safe collision-free path versus when it needs to slow down. The feedback mechanism allows the robot to maintain higher speeds during safe segments of the journey and only reduce speed when necessary, optimizing the balance between safety and time efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If multiple positioning circuits are used to improve positioning accuracy, then the docking precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning function is segmented across multiple independent circuits rather than using one complex centralized system. Each positioning circuit is relatively simple, performing basic distance measurement and message transmission, while the complexity of combining results is managed through standardized triangulation algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each positioning circuit is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of performing distance measurement, message transmission, and position calculation. This universality reduces overall system complexity by using identical standardized components rather than specialized circuits for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures fast and accurate docking of the robot to the charging pile, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the charging process.

Implementation Method 1

determining a first distance between the robot and the first positioning circuit according to a time delay between the first positioning circuit transmitting the first request message and receiving the first response message

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4155858B1Guidance control method and apparatus, charging pile and robot
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 JD DIGITS HAIYI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4155858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4155858B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4155858B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A guidance control method and apparatus, a charging pile and a robot. The guidance control method comprises : step 101 : after guidance request information sent by a robot (22) is received, triggering a first positioning circuit (211) to send first request information at a predetermined period, and triggering a second positioning circuit (212) to send second request information at a predetermined period; step 102 : after the first positioning circuit (211) receives first response information, determining a first distance (R1) of the robot (22) relative to the first positioning circuit (211) according to a time delay between sending the first request information and receiving the first response information by the first positioning circuit (211); step 103 : after the second positioning circuit (212) receives second response information, determining a second distance (R2) of the robot (22) relative to the second positioning circuit (212) according to a time delay between sending the second request information and receiving the second response information by the second positioning circuit (212); step 104 : determining the relative position of the robot (22) relative to the charging pile (21) according to the first distance and the second distance; and step 105 : the robot (22) adjusting the travel route according to the relative position so as to complete the docking between the robot (22) and the charging pile (21).