Track Assembly Absolute Positioning via Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track assemblies are complex and often fail to accurately determine the absolute position of a support assembly along a track, lacking sufficient functionality and precision.
Innovation Solution
A track assembly comprising a support assembly, electronic control unit, and sensors that read information from features on the track, allowing the electronic control unit to determine the absolute location of the support assembly by comparing sensor data with a profile, using a combination of sensors and location systems for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional track assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the position determination accuracy is insufficient and absolute position cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The track is divided into multiple segments, each containing distinct features that can be individually sensed. This segmentation allows the support assembly to determine its position by reading features across different segments, enabling absolute position determination while maintaining a manageable system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional sensing approach by using multiple sensors (first sensor, second sensor, third sensor, fourth sensor) that read features from different tracks (first track, second track) and segments. This dimensional expansion from single-point to multi-point sensing significantly improves position determination accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a single sensor system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the position determination resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor systems are merged into a unified positioning system. The first and second sensors read from the first track, while the third and fourth sensors read from the second track. These sensor outputs are combined by the control unit to achieve high-resolution absolute position determination, with the system achieving resolution of about 2 mm or less.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: individual sensors can read features from different tracks and segments, and the combination of all sensors provides both relative and absolute position information. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high resolution without requiring separate dedicated sensor systems.
3Measurement precision
If features are uniformly distributed on the track, then the manufacturing is simple, but the position determination accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the track are configured with different feature arrangements. The first track contains a first plurality of features while the second track contains a second plurality of features, with each segment having distinct local characteristics. This local differentiation enables the sensor system to accurately determine position by reading the unique feature patterns of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric feature configurations where the first and second tracks have different feature patterns, and segments within each track have non-uniform feature distributions. This asymmetry creates unique readable signatures for each position, significantly improving position determination accuracy while the features remain manufacturable using standard techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A track assembly includes a support assembly, an electronic control unit and a track. The track may include a first track. The first track may include one or more segments. The one or more segments may include a plurality of first features. The support assembly may include a first sensor and/or a second sensor that may be connected to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine a first location of the support assembly along the one or more segments via the plurality of first features, the first sensor, and/or the second sensor. The first sensor and/or the second sensor may be disposed substantially in the track. The first sensor and/or the second sensor may be configured to sense information from the plurality of first features. The first features may include a first portion and/or a second portion.