Robotic Tool Beacon Sensing for Temporary Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic work tools face challenges in efficiently detecting and navigating around temporary and dynamic obstacles, as traditional methods like boundary wires and collision detection are cumbersome, prone to wear and tear, and unsuitable for virtual obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool system equipped with a beacon marker and sensor that transmits and detects radio frequency or ultrasonic signals to mark obstacles, allowing the tool to adapt its operation based on proximity, reducing wear and tear and simplifying the marking of temporary or virtual obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collision detection is used to detect obstacles, then the robotic tool can identify physical obstacles, but the wear and tear of the robotic tool increases due to numerous collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collision detection with electromagnetic sensing. The robotic tool uses sensors (e.g., capacitive, inductive, or optical sensors) to detect obstacles at a distance, substituting the mechanical impact-based detection method with a non-contact electromagnetic field-based detection system, thereby eliminating wear from repeated collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing mechanism between the robotic tool and the obstacle. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the tool uses electromagnetic fields or other non-contact sensing methods to detect the presence of obstacles, allowing the system to identify obstacles without physical impact.
2Reliability
If boundary wires are dug down to mark obstacles, then permanent structures can be marked, but the setup becomes cumbersome especially for temporary markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of digging and installing boundary wires with an electronic or optical marking system. Obstacles are marked using electronic tags, optical markers, or electromagnetic field boundaries that can be configured and changed without physical installation, eliminating the need to dig and install wires for temporary obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic, reconfigurable obstacle marking capabilities. Instead of fixed boundary wires that require physical installation, the system uses programmable or adjustable markers that can be easily modified, added, or removed through software or simple physical placement, allowing rapid adaptation to changing obstacle configurations.
3Reliability
If bar code readers are used to detect obstacle markers, then obstacles can be identified, but the system becomes sensitive to debris blocking the lens and placement limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical bar code reading with alternative detection methods such as RFID (radio frequency identification), NFC (near field communication), or other wireless communication technologies. These methods use electromagnetic fields instead of optical lines of sight, making them immune to debris blocking and allowing detection through non-line-of-sight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical (line-of-sight visual detection) to electromagnetic (radio frequency or other wireless signal detection). This parameter change allows the system to detect obstacles through walls, around corners, or through debris that would block optical sensors, significantly reducing sensitivity to environmental obstructions.
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 easy and efficient detection and navigation around obstacles, reducing wear and tear on the robotic tool and improving its ability to handle temporary and virtual obstacles without increasing interference or requiring complex setup.
Implementation Method 1
a beacon marker and sensor that transmits and detects radio frequency or ultrasonic signals to mark obstacles
Implementation Method 2
a beacon marker and sensor that transmits and detects radio frequency or ultrasonic signals to mark obstacles
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic work tool system (200) comprising a robotic work tool (100) and a beacon marker (280), said robotic work tool (100) comprising a beacon sensor (175) configured to sense a signal being transmitted by the beacon marker (280), said beacon marker (280) marking an area (270) around an obstacle (260) in a work area (205) in which said robotic work tool (100) is arranged to operate, wherein said robotic work tool is configured to determine a proximity to a beacon marker (280) and to adapt its operation accordingly.