Robot Positioning Using Boundary Wire Signal Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot positioning methods, such as laser positioning, suffer from reduced accuracy in complex environments and require costly laser sensors, which increases the overall cost of the robot.

Innovation Solution

A robot positioning method and system using a positioning wire with signal processors to determine time points and distances for accurate robot positioning, eliminating the need for lidar and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If laser positioning method is used, then robot positioning capability is achieved, but positioning accuracy decreases in complex environments and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a positioning wire as an intermediary element laid on the ground to facilitate robot positioning. The wire emits electromagnetic signals that the robot detects to determine its position, replacing direct laser ranging with an intermediary signal transmission medium that is less affected by environmental obstacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the laser-based optical positioning system with an electromagnetic signal-based positioning system using a wire. This substitution eliminates the need for complex laser sensors on the robot and uses a simple wire structure that is insensitive to environmental conditions like uneven ground or obstacles.

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

2Measurement precision

If laser sensors are installed on robot, then positioning function is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive laser sensors with a simple positioning wire that can be easily laid and removed. The wire is a low-cost component compared to laser sensors, and the system accepts that the wire needs to be repositioned or replaced rather than using durable, expensive sensor equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the positioning function from the robot itself and places it in the environment through the positioning wire. Instead of equipping the robot with expensive positioning sensors, the positioning capability is embedded in the wire infrastructure, separating the positioning function from the mobile platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If positioning wire method is used, then cost is reduced and environmental adaptability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the positioning system into two independent parts: the positioning wire infrastructure and the robot detection system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the wire can be simple signal emitters while the robot carries minimal detection equipment, reducing overall system complexity despite improved adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 method allows for accurate robot positioning in complex environments without the need for lidar, adjusting the walking path based on detected boundary signals, and reducing installation costs.

Implementation Method 1

A positioning wire is arranged in a preset area in which a robot walks, and at least one of two ends of the positioning wire is connected to a signal processor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

determining, in response to the robot detecting a boundary signal of the positioning wire, a first time point and a second time point at which positioning signals with different directions reach an end point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4641136A1Robot positioning methods and system and robot
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SHENZHEN LDROBOT CO LTD
  • EP4641136A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP4641136A1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP4641136A1 patent drawingFigure 2d~3

AI summary

Robot positioning methods and system and a robot. A positioning wire is provided within a preset area range of robot movement, and at least one end of two ends of the positioning wire is connected to a signal processor. A method comprises: after a robot has sensed a boundary signal of the positioning wire, determining a first time point and a second time point at which positioning signals in different directions reach an end point by means of transmission along the positioning wire according to a current location of the robot; on the basis of the first time point, the second time point, the signal transmission speed of the positioning wire and the length of the positioning wire, determining the distance between the current location and the signal processor; and on the basis of the distance between the current location and the signal processor, determining positioning information of the robot.