Robot Distribution-Object Position Detection With Ranging Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospital distribution robots face issues with low positioning accuracy, leading to potential disconnection of distribution vehicles during transportation due to improper placement on the robot.
Innovation Solution
A position detection apparatus and method using ranging sensors on a robot's protrusion member to determine if a distribution object is at a predetermined position, with a controller to ensure accurate placement and real-time monitoring, including pressure and height sensors to prevent overloading and ensure safe lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robot carries a distribution vehicle, then the distribution function is achieved, but the positioning accuracy is low leading to potential disconnection during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The robot body is divided into a chassis and a separable protrusion member. The protrusion member can be detached from the chassis, allowing the robot to operate independently or carry distribution vehicles, thereby improving positioning accuracy when needed while maintaining connection reliability during transportation
Solution Approach 2:
A protrusion member serves as an intermediary component between the robot chassis and the distribution vehicle. This intermediate structure provides a dedicated coupling interface that improves both positioning accuracy and connection reliability, as the protrusion member is specifically designed to interface with the distribution vehicle's corresponding structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable design is used for distribution vehicles and robots, then use efficiency and flexibility are improved, but positioning accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion member is designed as a universal interface that can couple with different types of distribution vehicles. This multi-functional component maintains positioning accuracy across various configurations while enabling the robot to adapt to different task requirements and vehicle types
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion member is pre-positioned on the robot chassis at the optimal location for carrying distribution vehicles. This preliminary positioning ensures that when a distribution vehicle is attached, the alignment and positioning accuracy are automatically optimized without requiring additional adjustment operations
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
Improves the accuracy of detecting the distribution object's position, reducing the risk of disconnection and loss during transportation by ensuring precise alignment and monitoring for potential hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a ranging sensor arranged on an end surface of a protrusion member of a robot facing a placement region of a distribution object... each of the plurality of ranging sensors is configured to detect a distance between the each of the plurality of ranging sensors and an end surface of the distribution object
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a position detection apparatus and a position detection method of a distribution object, a robot, a distribution apparatus, and a controller, and relates to the field of robots. The apparatus includes: a plurality of ranging sensors arranged on an end surface of a protrusion member of a robot facing a placement region of the distribution object, wherein the protrusion member is located on a chassis of the robot and each of the plurality of ranging sensors is configured to detect a distance between the ranging sensor and an end surface of the distribution object facing the plurality of ranging sensors; and a controller configured to determine that the distribution object has been located at a predetermined position above the chassis in a case where the distance detected by each of the plurality of ranging sensors is not greater than a first distance threshold.