Trailer Connector Angle Sensing for Obstacle-Avoiding Transport Robots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional goods transportation systems face challenges in efficiently unloading articles from a loading space to a destination, particularly when using arm-shaped devices, which are costly and unstable, and there is a need for robots that can transport small articles while avoiding obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A transport robot that includes a body with a driving unit and a connector holder, equipped with a fixed bracket, rotation bracket, fastening pin, and encoder to detect the trailer's position, along with a controller that calculates a driving path and avoids obstacles using sensor data and map information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If arm-shaped devices are used to unload articles from loading space to destination, then unloading function is achieved, but cost increases and stability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading costVSAvoidunloading stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the arm-shaped mechanical unloading device with a wheeled mobile robot system. The robot uses its wheels for movement and a simplified pushing mechanism instead of complex articulated arms, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining operational reliability through autonomous navigation and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile robot performs unloading operations autonomously without requiring manual control or complex mechanical assistance. The robot independently navigates to the loading space, identifies articles to be unloaded, executes the unloading action, and returns to its base, making the system self-sufficient and reducing the need for expensive auxiliary mechanical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional transportation systems are used, then articles can be transported, but obstacle avoidance capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle avoidance capabilityVSAvoidtransportation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile robot is equipped with sensors that continuously detect the environment and provide feedback to the control system. This real-time feedback enables the robot to identify obstacles, recalculate its path, and adjust its movement accordingly, thereby improving adaptability without significantly reducing transportation efficiency through automated obstacle avoidance routines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The robot's navigation system dynamically adjusts its path planning based on real-time environmental conditions. When obstacles are detected, the system flexibly modifies the transportation route and timing, allowing the robot to maintain high productivity by efficiently rerouting around obstacles rather than following rigid predetermined paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If encoder and rotation bracket are added to monitor trailer position, then position control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrailer position detection precisionVSAvoidconnector holder structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation bracket serves multiple functions: it connects the trailer to the robot body, allows angular adjustment for path correction, and houses the encoder for position monitoring. By integrating these functions into a single component, the system achieves precise position control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder is integrated within the rotation bracket assembly rather than being a separate external component. This merging of the sensing element with the mechanical connection structure achieves accurate trailer position monitoring while minimizing the increase in device complexity through compact integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The transport robot can accurately monitor and control the trailer's position in real-time, avoiding collisions with obstacles and ensuring stable transportation of articles to the destination.

Implementation Method 1

an encoder configured to detect rotation of the rotation bracket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250334972A1Transport robot, transport means, and control method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 BEAR ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

A transport robot can be controlled so that a connected trailer drives without colliding with an obstacle, the transport robot comprising: a body comprising a driving unit; and a connector holder which is positioned on the body and has a connector of a trailer coupled thereto, wherein the connector holder comprises: a fixed bracket fixed to the body, a rotation bracket rotatably coupled to the fixed bracket; a coupling pin which penetrates the connector of the trailer and is coupled to the rotation bracket, and an encoder for detecting rotation of the rotation bracket.