Robot Foot Infrared Layout for Obstacle and Footing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous robots face challenges in achieving high accuracy and sensitivity in obstacle detection due to environmental interference and high costs associated with ultrasonic sensor-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A robot foot equipped with a lower plate and a first infrared transmitting and receiving unit, where infrared light is used to detect obstacles with improved stability and sensitivity, and a second infrared unit for parallel path detection to prevent collisions, integrated with a circuit board and protective transparent sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used for obstacle detection, then detection coverage can be achieved, but detection accuracy and sensitivity deteriorate due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensors (acoustic field) with infrared sensors (optical field) for obstacle detection. This substitution transitions from mechanical/acoustic wave-based detection to optical field-based detection, which is less susceptible to environmental interference such as ambient noise and air turbulence, thereby improving detection accuracy and sensitivity while maintaining detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from ultrasonic frequency to infrared wavelength. By operating in the infrared spectrum rather than acoustic frequencies, the system achieves better penetration through certain environmental conditions and reduces interference from common environmental noise sources, thus improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic sensor-based obstacle detection system is implemented, then obstacle detection capability is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive infrared transmitting and receiving units that are commercially available and cost-effective compared to ultrasonic sensor arrays. These infrared components can be implemented using simple LEDs and photodetectors, significantly reducing the bill of materials cost while maintaining reliable obstacle detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting the mechanical ultrasonic sensor system with an optical infrared system, the patent achieves comparable or superior detection reliability at a lower cost, as infrared components are generally more affordable and require fewer complex calibration mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If infrared transmitting and receiving unit is used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate transmitting and receiving paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the infrared transmitting unit and receiving unit into an integrated assembly mounted on the robot foot. By merging these components into a single coordinated unit with shared mounting structure and electrical connections, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the detection accuracy benefits of separate transmit and receive paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared transmitting and receiving units serve multiple functions: they detect obstacles, provide distance measurement, and enable the robot to sense the ground surface characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate sensors, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high detection accuracy.
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 infrared-based system provides high detection accuracy and sensitivity with reduced environmental noise interference and lower manufacturing costs, enabling effective obstacle detection and prevention of falls.
Implementation Method 1
a first infrared transmitting and receiving unit 20 and a circuit board 30 electrically connected to the first infrared transmitting and receiving unit 20 that are arranged on the lower plate 10. The first infrared transmitting and receiving unit 20 is arranged in such a way that infrared light transmitted from and received by the infrared transmitting and receiving unit travels in paths that are inclined with respect to the lower plate 10
Implementation Method 2
infrared light transmitted from and received by the infrared transmitting and receiving unit 20 travels in paths that are inclined with respect to the lower plate 10 toward an area in front of the foot
Data Source
AI summary
A foot of a robot includes a lower plate, a first infrared transmitting and receiving unit and a circuit board electrically connected to the first infrared transmitting and receiving unit that are arranged on the lower plate. The first infrared transmitting and receiving unit is arranged in such a way that infrared light transmitted from and received by the first infrared transmitting and receiving unit travels in paths that are inclined with respect to the lower plate toward an area in front of the foot when the lower plate is substantially horizontal, so as to detect existence of a footing.