Synthetic Turf Mapping Robot Using Motor Load for Ball Density Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for rebalancing the distribution of balls on synthetic sports grounds are empirical, leading to inefficient ball consumption and variable densities, as they lack precise monitoring of ground conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mapping robot equipped with motorized wheels, a location system, a friction element with adjustable teeth, and a control unit that associates electrical consumption data with position information to evaluate ball density and identify areas needing restocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If empirical methods are used to rebalance ball distribution, then the process is simple to implement, but ball consumption is significant and density uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces empirical mechanical rebalancing methods with an automated robotic system that uses electrical consumption measurements to detect ball density. The robot substitutes human judgment with objective electrical signals from motors, eliminating guesswork and reducing unnecessary ball addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring electrical consumption of motors during movement and using this data to map ball density distribution. This feedback loop enables precise identification of areas needing restocking, preventing both over-application and under-application of balls.
2Manufacturing precision
If empirical rebalancing is performed, then the process is quick to execute, but density uniformity across the ground is variable
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs self-diagnosis of ground conditions by measuring its own electrical consumption during movement. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate measurement devices or manual assessment, maintaining productivity while achieving precise density mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective human assessment of ground density with objective electrical consumption data. This substitution ensures consistent, repeatable measurements that improve density uniformity without significantly increasing process time.
3Measurement precision
If a mapping robot with multiple sensors is deployed, then ground condition detection precision is high, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot uses its own motor electrical consumption as the sensing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors. This self-service approach provides precise ball density measurement while keeping the device relatively simple, as it leverages existing components for dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor serves multiple functions: propulsion and density sensing. By making the propulsion system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding dedicated sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
4Productivity
If comprehensive ground mapping is performed, then ball distribution optimization is improved, but time consumption for mapping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs density measurement continuously during its normal movement across the ground, rather than requiring separate mapping passes. This continuous measurement approach optimizes ball distribution while minimizing additional time consumption, as the useful action of mapping occurs during routine traversal.
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 robot enables precise mapping and restocking of balls, optimizing ball distribution by reducing consumption and ensuring consistent densities across the synthetic ground.
Implementation Method 1
a friction element which has teeth which rub on the synthetic ground
Data Source
AI summary
A mapping robot that includes a frame, two motorized wheels, for each motorized wheel, a motor which drives the wheel in rotation, a location system determining a position of the robot on a synthetic ground, a control unit arranged to collect position information delivered by the location system and information on electrical consumption of each motor, and to associate the electrical consumption information with the position information, and a friction element which has teeth which rub on the synthetic ground.