Sensor Positioning Device with Adjustable Jigs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor positioning devices require fixed sensor placements, making it difficult to operate mobile robots in different environments without reconfiguring the sensor positions.

Innovation Solution

A sensor positioning device with adjustable sensor holding jigs and inter-sensor distance measurement tools allows for easy and accurate positioning of sensors at arbitrary heights and distances, using weight suspension members to maintain sensor alignment and orientation, enabling flexible deployment in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are fixed to predetermined positions around the stage, then the mobile robot can accurately determine its position by triangulation, but the robot cannot be easily operated in a different environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidenvironment adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor positioning device enables dynamic reconfiguration of sensor positions and orientations using adjustable holding jigs and positioning mechanisms, allowing the system to adapt to different environments while maintaining accurate position detection capabilities through repositionable sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the sensor array into independently positionable units that can be separately adjusted and reconfigured, allowing flexible deployment in different environments while maintaining the triangulation functionality for accurate robot position detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are reconfigured for each different environment, then the robot can operate in various venues, but the setup process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironment adaptabilityVSAvoidsensor configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor positioning device serves multiple functions: it holds sensors at arbitrary positions, adjusts sensor orientation, measures inter-sensor distances, and provides reference alignment, all within a single integrated system that simplifies deployment across different environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device includes self-aligning mechanisms such as weight suspension members that automatically orient sensors vertically, and measurement jigs that provide built-in reference markings, reducing the need for complex external alignment tools and procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are positioned at arbitrary height positions, then the system becomes flexible for different environments, but the positioning precision becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidsensor positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a combination of adjustable holding jigs and visual reference alignment using measurement jigs with markings, achieving precise sensor positioning at arbitrary heights through simplified mechanical adjustment and visual verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precise and adaptable sensor placement, facilitating accurate detection of position measurement targets like mobile robots across different environments without the need for extensive reconfiguration.

Implementation Method 1

reference-setting jigs of sensor height position, each including a weight and a weight suspension member, wherein a lengthwise direction of the weight suspension member is oriented in a vertical direction when the weight is suspended

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10539416B2Sensor positioning device

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 MURATA MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A sensor positioning device includes an inter-sensor distance measurement jig that measures a distance between two sensors, and is a reference when setting the distance between the two sensors to a target distance, and reference-setting jigs of sensor height position, each including a weight and a weight suspension member, a lengthwise direction of which is in a vertical direction when the weight is suspended, and each performing setting of a distance which is a total of a vertical direction dimension of the weight, a length of the weight suspension member, and a distance from an upper end of the weight suspension member to the sensor such that the distance coincides with a target height of the sensor, when the weight is in contact with a reference surface, in a state where the weight is attached to a sensor holding jig by the weight suspension member.