Robot Electronic Skin for Non-Contact Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems face challenges in detecting and avoiding obstacles without physical contact, which can lead to device damage or personal injury, especially when in motion, due to the inability to perform non-contact distance detection and the risk of collision.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an electronic skin to detect approaching conductors by generating electrical signals representing distance changes, allowing the system to control movements to avoid collisions or reduce collision impact based on threshold values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact-type resistance component is used for detection, then the mechanical equipment can detect contact with objects, but it cannot perform non-contact distance detection and collision risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-type resistance component with a capacitive sensing system that uses electrical fields to detect objects. The housing component includes a detection unit with electrodes that sense changes in capacitance or impedance when objects approach, enabling non-contact distance detection and eliminating the need for physical contact to detect obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the detection system and the target object. The capacitive sensor detects objects through changes in the electrical field caused by the object's proximity, allowing indirect detection without mechanical contact. This intermediary field enables distance measurement and collision avoidance before physical contact occurs.
2Device complexity
If mechanical equipment moves without non-contact detection, then the device structure remains simple, but collision damage or personal injury can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The housing component serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection, houses the detection electrodes, and acts as part of the sensing system itself. The detection unit can identify different types of objects (conductive, non-conductive, living organisms) by analyzing capacitance changes, making the system versatile for various detection scenarios while maintaining a unified housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive detection system performs preliminary detection of approaching objects before physical contact occurs. By monitoring changes in capacitance or impedance as objects approach the housing, the system can trigger warning signals or activate avoidance mechanisms in advance, preventing collision damage or personal injury before they happen.
3Reliability
If contact detection is used, then the system responds to actual contact, but it cannot prevent collision before contact occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor detects objects at a distance before physical contact occurs by sensing changes in the electrical field. This preliminary detection provides advance warning and response time, allowing the mechanical equipment to slow down or stop before collision happens. The system can detect the approach, presence, and even material properties of objects before they touch the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit provides continuous feedback about the proximity and properties of nearby objects through capacitance or impedance measurements. This feedback loop allows the control system to adjust the mechanical equipment's operation in real-time based on detected objects, enabling dynamic collision avoidance while maintaining accurate detection of contact conditions when they occur.
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 timely avoidance of collisions, reducing damage to the device and risk of personal injury by accurately determining the distance and speed of approaching conductors, thereby enhancing safety and smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing unit is configured to sense a change of the capacitance or impedance in response to the approach of the external conductor
Implementation Method 2
the sensing unit is configured to sense a change of the capacitance or impedance in response to the approach of the external conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of avoiding collision between mechanical equipment (10) and obstacles, and a device and controller for this, by detecting whether an external conductor is approaching the device (10); when detecting that the external conductor is approaching the mechanical equipment (10), generating an electrical signal representing a distance between the external conductor and the housing of the mechanical equipment (10) or a change of the distance between the external conductor and the housing of the mechanical equipment (10); controlling the mechanical equipment (10) based on electrical signal so as to avoid the mechanical equipment (10) from collision with the external conductor or to reduce a strength of the collision.