Robot Distance Measurement for Precise Pose and Path Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-precision robot position and path measurement systems are costly, complex, sensitive to ambient lighting, require qualified personnel, and cannot achieve accuracy without multiple measurements, while low-cost systems are inaccurate and limited to single-point analysis.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using a single sensor to measure the distance between a robot point and a reference point, determining pose accuracy, path accuracy, and dynamic parameters with a compact, extendable device, eliminating the need for encoders and multiple measurements, and allowing analysis in large working spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-precision measurement systems such as cameras or laser systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot position and path measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensors and system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex laser systems by using a single laser gauge to measure distance directly, eliminating the need for multiple sensors, cameras, and sophisticated positioning systems while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex measurement systems with a simple, cost-effective laser gauge that can be easily positioned and used without requiring sophisticated infrastructure or multiple expensive components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If interferometric systems are used to achieve high accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of measurements required increases to at least three

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccuracyVSAvoidtime for multiple measurements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary positioning of the laser gauge to establish a direct measurement path to the robot end effector, enabling all necessary measurements to be taken from this single positioned location rather than requiring multiple repositionings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a single laser gauge to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously, obtaining all necessary distance measurements for calculating robot position and path accuracy from one measurement device without requiring multiple specialized interferometric systems

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

3Ease of operation

If compact measuring devices are used to adapt to working conditions, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to working conditionsVSAvoidaccuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems and large-scale measurement equipment with a compact laser gauge that uses optical measurement principles, enabling high precision measurements from a small, easily positionable device that can operate in confined spaces and various working conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables high-precision, cost-effective, and versatile measurement of robot pose and path accuracy with a single measurement, suitable for unskilled personnel, in various working conditions, without requiring expensive equipment or complex installations.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor for distance measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4653151A1Determination of robot parameters
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 PMROBOTS GMBH
  • EP4653151A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4653151A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4653151A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method comprising: tracking a robot, based on the distance between a robot point and a reference point. This distance is obtained by means of a sensor; an extendable type measuring device with an articulation at each of its ends, one for a robot point and the other for the reference point, which makes it possible to track the movements of a robot; a relative displacement and guidance mechanism to ensure the proper transmission of micromovements; the determination of the deviations of a robot with respect to a reference point, introducing the calculation according to embodiments. deviations of a robot from its nominal position, from the measurement between a robot element and a reference point; and obtaining the deviations in the movements of a robot, according to the path executed, from the projections of these deviations obtained according to the geometry held at each nominal position of the path.