Stair Distance-Based Mobility Speed Control for Stable Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobility devices experience reduced speed and stability when navigating stairs, necessitating a method to enhance their performance on this terrain.
Innovation Solution
A travel control device equipped with distance sensors and a controller that adjusts the mobility device's speed based on measured distances to stairs, using laser sensors and tilt sensors to optimize navigation and reduce collision forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mobility device travels on stairs at normal speed, then productivity is maintained, but stability deteriorates due to collision force
Solution Approach 1:
The distance sensor detects stairs in advance before the mobility device reaches them, allowing the controller to pre-adjust the travel speed to an appropriate level before collision occurs, thereby maintaining both productivity and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the distance to stairs using the distance sensor and dynamically adjusts the travel speed based on real-time feedback, optimizing both speed and stability during stair navigation
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mobility device reduces speed to improve stability on stairs, then traveling stability improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Speed reduction is applied only when stairs are detected in advance, not during normal flat-ground travel, thereby maintaining stability during critical moments while preserving productivity during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The travel speed is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of stairs, being reduced only when necessary for stability while maintaining normal speed during normal travel conditions
3Measurement precision
If distance sensors are added to detect stairs, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance sensor is positioned at a specific location (rear wheel side frame) optimized for detecting stairs, providing precise measurement where needed without requiring complex sensor arrays throughout the device
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
Improves the stability and immediacy of mobility device travel on stairs by dynamically adjusting speed in response to stair distances and tilt, thereby enhancing overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor mounted on one side frame of the mobility device... a first laser sensor that measures a distance to uphill stairs... a second laser sensor that measures a distance to downhill stairs
Implementation Method 2
a tilt sensor that measures a tilt of the mobility device, and the controller can adjust the travel speed of the mobility device when a tilt measured by the tilt sensor is greater than a threshold angle
Data Source
AI summary
A travel control device and method control for a mobility device is disclosed. The travel control device includes a distance sensor on one side frame of the mobility device and adjusts a travel speed of the mobility device based on a distance to stairs measured by the distance sensor when the mobility device travels on the stairs to reduce collision force between the mobility device and the stairs, thereby improving the traveling stability and immediacy of the mobility device.