Robot Recharging Alignment Using Critical-Point Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automatic recharging systems for robots face challenges in accurately aligning the signal receiver with the recharging dock due to the diffuse nature of optical signals, making it difficult for robots to determine the precise position for recharging.

Innovation Solution

A recharging alignment method that involves adjusting the signal receiver to critical points to obtain position information, calculating the mid-point between these points, and rotating the receiver to align with the recharging dock without moving, using a combination of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations to determine the optimal alignment angle and distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical signals are emitted in a form of rays to cover a certain range, then the robot can receive the signals within a certain range, but the signal receiver cannot accurately align with the recharging dock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reception reliabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the alignment process into multiple discrete steps: first adjusting the signal receiver to a first critical point to obtain position information, then adjusting to a second critical point, and finally calculating the mid-point. This segmentation of the alignment process allows for more precise positioning by breaking down the continuous alignment task into manageable discrete steps, resolving the contradiction between reliable signal reception and precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular positioning as an additional dimension for alignment. By adjusting the signal receiver to specific critical points and calculating mid-points based on angular positions, the system adds a rotational dimension to the alignment process. This enables precise alignment determination beyond simple radial positioning, resolving the contradiction between signal coverage and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Extent of automation

If the robot uses automatic navigation to return to the recharging dock, then the recharging process can be automated, but the alignment accuracy is compromised due to signal diffusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecharging automationVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal receiver detects optical signals from the recharging dock, determines whether alignment is achieved based on signal characteristics, and adjusts the robot's position and orientation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system maintains automation while improving alignment precision by continuously monitoring and correcting the alignment status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical navigation with an optical sensing and control system. By using the signal receiver to detect optical signals and determine alignment, the system substitutes mechanical positioning with optical field-based positioning, enabling automated recharging with higher precision through non-contact optical measurement.

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

3Measurement precision

If the signal receiver is adjusted to critical points to obtain position information, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the recharging process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the robot to autonomously perform the alignment process by automatically adjusting the signal receiver to critical points, obtaining position information, and calculating the mid-point without human intervention. The system uses its own signal receiver and processing capabilities to complete the alignment task, reducing the need for external assistance or complex manual procedures despite the increased precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances the accuracy of robot alignment with the recharging dock, allowing for efficient and precise automatic recharging without the need for extensive movement, thereby simplifying the recharging process.

Implementation Method 1

a signal receiver is configured to receive optical signals emitted from a recharging dock of the first critical point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical signal reception: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10635115B2Recharging alignment method of robot, and the robot thereof
Publication Date: 2020.04.28 UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD
  • US10635115B2 patent drawing
  • US10635115B2 patent drawing
  • US10635115B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a recharging alignment method of a robot and a robot thereof. The recharging alignment method includes adjusting a signal receiver of the robot to a first critical point to obtain position information of the first critical point, adjusting the signal receiver from the first critical point to a second critical point to obtain position information of the second critical point, determining a mid-point of the first critical point arid the second critical point according to the position information of the first critical point and the second critical point, and adjusting the signal receiver to the mid-point to align with the recharging dock, so as to accurately align with the recharging dock.