Robot Auto-Docking Using Multi-Receiver Signal Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot navigation systems are complex, power-intensive, and costly, with single signal transmitters and receivers leading to misjudgments due to signal attenuation, making efficient auto-docking challenging.
Innovation Solution
A robot device with a base station and a robot equipped with multiple receivers (first, second, and third receivers) that determine bypass directions based on guiding signal strengths, allowing the robot to fine-tune its position for accurate return to the base station by continuously receiving signals until they decrease or reach a maximum strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single signal transmitter and receiver are used for robot navigation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal attenuation causing misjudgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single receiver into multiple receivers (first receiver, second receiver, third receiver) positioned at different locations on the robot. Each receiver independently detects signal strength, and the robot determines direction by comparing signals from multiple receivers, thereby improving positioning accuracy without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple signal detection functions into a unified navigation system where multiple receivers work together with a central control unit. The receivers are integrated into the robot's existing structure, and their combined output feeds into the direction determination logic, achieving improved accuracy through coordinated operation rather than separate systems
2Measurement precision
If multiple signal receivers are used to improve positioning accuracy, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical signal reception strategy where the first receiver (front) is always active for primary navigation, while the second and third receivers (side) are activated only when directional adjustment is needed. This partial activation approach maintains positioning accuracy when required while reducing overall power consumption during straight-line navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic scanning and comparison of signals from multiple receivers rather than continuous full-power operation of all receivers. The robot periodically checks signal strength differences to determine if directional correction is needed, allowing receivers to operate in alternating or intermittent modes rather than continuously, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining positioning capability
3Measurement precision
If multiple signal receivers are deployed to determine bypass direction, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific functional roles to different receivers based on their positions: the first receiver at the front handles primary forward navigation, while the second and third receivers on the sides specifically detect lateral signal variations for direction determination. This localized functional assignment simplifies the control logic compared to treating all receivers equally, as each receiver's data is processed according to its specific positional characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having each receiver independently determine direction and then combining results, the patent inverts the approach by using the signal strength differences between receivers to directly determine bypass direction. The control unit compares signals from multiple receivers and uses the differential information to control robot movement, simplifying the overall decision-making process despite having multiple receivers
4Device complexity
If the robot uses absolute signal strength value for positioning, then the positioning method is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to signal attenuation causing misjudgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robot continuously monitors signal strength from multiple receivers during movement and adjusts its bypass direction based on real-time signal comparisons. The control unit processes ongoing signal data and provides corrective steering commands, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for signal attenuation and environmental variations, thereby improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple positioning logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary signal assessment by comparing signals from multiple receivers before the robot commits to a bypass direction. The control unit evaluates signal strength differences in advance and determines the optimal direction prior to execution, allowing the robot to make informed navigation decisions based on pre-analyzed signal conditions rather than reactive adjustments, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A robot device includes a base station and a robot. The base station transmits guiding signals. The robot receives the guiding signal by three receivers. A receiver is disposed at the robot, and the other two receivers are disposed at the right and left of the receiver at different angles. The robot bypasses toward right or left according to the guiding signal received by the receivers. When the strength of the guiding signal received by the central receiver decreases, the robot stops bypassing to spin and searches the guiding signal again till the strength of the guiding signal received by the central receiver is a maximum value. The robot has a fine tuning to return to the base station to have a charge.