Robot Charging Navigation Using Signal Strength Feedback

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot charging systems are inefficient due to random searching along boundary lines, leading to increased time and power consumption when obstacles are present, as they lack proximity-based navigation principles.

Innovation Solution

A robot automatic charging method that involves controlling the robot to move towards a charging station by detecting signal strength changes, adjusting direction based on signal strength, and using guiding devices like electronic boundary lines for optimal path planning, enabling real-time charging path optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the robot searches for the boundary line without the principle of proximity, then the robot can find the charging station, but the time consumption increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strength detection precisionVSAvoidcharging search time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robot continuously detects signal strength during movement and uses this feedback to adjust its navigation. The control unit compares detected signal strength against expected values and modifies the robot's path in real-time to optimize convergence toward the charging station, reducing both time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical boundary-following methods with signal-based electromagnetic field detection. Instead of physically tracing the boundary line, the robot uses its detection unit to sense the charging station's signal field and navigates based on signal strength gradients, significantly improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the robot searches for the boundary line without the principle of proximity, then the robot can find the charging station, but the power consumption of the robot increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strength detection precisionVSAvoidrobot power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robot continuously detects signal strength during movement and uses this feedback to adjust its navigation. The control unit compares detected signal strength against expected values and modifies the robot's path in real-time to optimize convergence toward the charging station, reducing both time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical boundary-following methods with signal-based electromagnetic field detection. Instead of physically tracing the boundary line, the robot uses its detection unit to sense the charging station's signal field and navigates based on signal strength gradients, significantly improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the robot needs to randomly search for the boundary line again when obstacles are near, then the robot can overcome obstacles, but time is wasted and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle handling capabilityVSAvoidre-search time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The signal strength detection system provides continuous feedback that helps the robot distinguish between signal blockage caused by obstacles and actual loss of charging station contact. This allows the robot to maintain its navigation trajectory and only perform re-search when truly necessary, reducing wasted time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The robot detects signal strength variations in advance before encountering obstacles, allowing it to anticipate and prepare for potential blockages. By monitoring signal trends, the robot can adjust its path proactively rather than reacting randomly after complete signal loss occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method reduces charging time, saves energy, and improves robot performance by allowing accurate and quick navigation to the charging station, increasing working time and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a detection unit configured to detect a signal emitted by the charging station or the electronic boundary line when the mobile robot is in the working region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240016082A1Automatic Charging Method and System for Robot, and Robot and Storage Medium

Publication Date: 2024.01.18 SUZHOU CLEVA PRECISION MACHINERY & TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A robot automatic charging method includes the steps of: controlling the robot to start working within a working region; when the robot needs to be charged, controlling the robot to move towards a charging station and detecting a strength of a target signal in the working region during the movement of the robot; controlling the robot to adjust its moving direction based on detected changes in the strength of the target signal to control the robot to move towards a guiding device near the charging station; and controlling the robot to move towards the charging station according to the guiding device. A robot automatic charging system, a robot, and a computer-readable storage medium are also disclosed.