Snow Blower Obstacle Detection with Contact and Remote Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current obstacle avoidance systems for snow blowers are single-functioned and lack stability, leading to potential machine shutdowns when encountering obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An obstacle avoidance system comprising a contact detection device and a remote sensing detection device, both integrated with a control device, allowing the snow blower to adjust its motion path based on detection signals from both devices, ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-function obstacle avoidance system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the system lacks stability and causes machine shutdowns when encountering obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle avoidance system is divided into two independent detection modules: a contact detection device and a remote sensing detection device. Each module operates independently with its own detection mechanism, allowing the system to segment the detection function into multiple specialized components that can work in parallel without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by using two different detection methods: contact-based detection (physical contact with obstacle) and remote sensing detection (non-contact detection using light or other signals). This parameter diversity allows the system to detect obstacles at different distances and conditions, improving overall reliability without requiring a single complex detection mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If only contact detection is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates because obstacles cannot be detected in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The remote sensing detection device performs preliminary detection of obstacles before the snow blower physically contacts them. By detecting obstacles at a distance using light signals or other remote sensing methods, the system can identify potential hazards in advance and prepare for appropriate avoidance actions, improving measurement precision without requiring immediate contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote sensing detection device acts as an intermediary between the snow blower and physical obstacles. It provides early warning information about obstacles before direct contact occurs, allowing the control system to prepare avoidance maneuvers. This intermediary detection layer enhances measurement precision by providing advance notice of obstacle locations.
3Loss of information
If the detection areas of contact detection device and remote sensing detection device coincide, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information increases because redundant detection coverage reduces detection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The detection areas of the contact detection device and remote sensing detection device are deliberately designed to be asymmetric and non-coincident. The contact detection device monitors areas where physical contact is most likely to occur, while the remote sensing detection device covers broader areas at a distance. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that each detector covers unique zones, maximizing information completeness without redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensionality to detection coverage by positioning the contact detection device and remote sensing detection device to monitor different spatial zones. Rather than overlapping in the same area, the detectors are arranged to cover complementary regions, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space around the snow blower to maximize detection information without redundancy.
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
Enhances the snow blower's ability to detect and avoid obstacles, preventing machine shutdowns and improving operational efficiency and intelligence.
Implementation Method 1
the remote sensing detection device is used for receiving signals reflected by an obstacle surface to detect the obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to an obstacle avoidance system, a snow blower and an obstacle avoidance control method. The obstacle avoidance system is used for snow blower, including a contact detection device, a remote sensing detection device and a control device. The remote sensing detection device is arranged at a side of the robot body facing a forward direction of snow blower. The control device is arranged on the robot body and used for controlling the snow blower to adjust a motion path according to detection signals of the contact detection device and remote sensing detection device. The obstacle avoidance system includes two detection devices, in which the contact detection device transmits detection information to the control device according to the change of physical structure and shape of the obstacle. This is more straightforward and specific, and it can protect the robot body's structure.