Robotic Work Tool Navigation Between Charging Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for multiple robotic work tools in the same operational area face interference and synchronization issues due to shared control signals and charging station connections, leading to complex noise and missed signals, especially when multiple charging stations are connected to the same boundary wire.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool system with a controller that operates in an operational area bounded by a boundary wire, using separate control signals for each charging station to navigate and synchronize with both, allowing the tool to distance itself from one charging station and synchronize with another, thereby reducing interference and improving navigation and charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging stations share the same boundary wire, then the system supports multiple robotic work tools in one operational area, but control signal interference and synchronization problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control signal transmission by assigning each charging station its own dedicated boundary wire, separating the control channels for different robotic work tools. This prevents signal collision and synchronization issues that occur when multiple charging stations share a common boundary wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary addressing mechanism where control signals include unique identifiers for each charging station. This allows the system to route control signals to the correct charging station even when multiple stations are present, preventing interference while maintaining multi-tool support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging stations are connected to the boundary wire, then multiple robotic work tools can be charged, but signal strength decreases due to electrical interconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connection by providing each charging station with its own dedicated boundary wire connection, eliminating the electrical interconnection problem. This ensures that control signals maintain their strength and integrity without being weakened by parallel connection paths to multiple charging stations.
3Reliability
If multiple charging stations use separate control signals, then signal interference is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control signal format that can address multiple charging stations through a standardized addressing mechanism. Each charging station responds to control signals based on its unique identifier, allowing the system to manage multiple stations with a single unified control protocol rather than requiring separate control systems for each station.
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 solution effectively reduces interference and enhances the ability of robotic work tools to navigate and charge efficiently in multi-tool environments by using distinct control signals for each charging station, improving synchronization and reducing the risk of missed signals.
Implementation Method 1
a first control signal comprising a first boundary signal being transmitted through the boundary wire
Implementation Method 2
a first base station signal being transmitted through the base station wire of the first charging station
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A robotic work tool arranged to operate in an operational area bounded by a boundary wire, the operational area encompassing a first charging station and a second charging station, each charging station comprising a base station wire, the robotic work tool comprising a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: operate in the operational area according to a first control signal, the first control signal comprising a first boundary signal being transmitted through the boundary wire and a first base station signal being transmitted through the base station wire of the first charging station; navigate the robotic work tool to locate and move the robotic work tool to the first charging station based on the first control signal; navigate the robotic work tool to distance the robotic work tool from the first charging station in a predetermined manner; synchronize to a second control signal comprising a first boundary signal and a second base station signal both being transmitted through the base station wire of the second charging station; and navigate the robotic work tool to enter the second charging station based on the second control signal.