Ultrasonic Boundary Detection in Moving Robots Without Extra Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moving robots require multiple sensors to detect obstacles and boundaries, leading to increased development time, manufacturing costs, and larger robot sizes due to the need for separate algorithms and sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A moving robot utilizing an ultrasonic sensor module with an ultrasonic sensor unit, obstacle detector, and boundary detector that analyzes sound wave signals to extract obstacle and noise signals, allowing for the detection of boundaries without additional sensors by comparing noise signal frequencies with AC current frequencies applied to boundary wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect obstacles and boundaries, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor module is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both obstacles and boundary wires by analyzing reflected sound waves. The same sensor unit and signal processing circuitry are used for both detection tasks, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle detector and boundary detector are merged into a single integrated system. Both detectors share the ultrasonic sensor unit, signal processing circuit, and control logic, combining previously separate functions into one unified detection mechanism that reduces device complexity
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to detect obstacles and boundaries, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor module serves dual purposes for obstacle and boundary detection, reducing the total component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable detection through sophisticated signal processing that distinguishes between different reflection patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical separation of detection systems with signal processing differentiation. By analyzing the characteristics of reflected sound waves (time of flight, intensity, pattern), the system reliably distinguishes between obstacles and boundary wires using software algorithms rather than hardware separation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect obstacles and boundaries, then detection capability is improved, but robot size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detector and boundary detector are combined into a single integrated ultrasonic sensor module, reducing the physical space required for sensor housing while maintaining full detection capability for both obstacles and boundary wires through shared hardware and software processing
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
Enables accurate detection of both obstacles and boundaries using a single sensor system, reducing computational burden, manufacturing costs, and robot size, while eliminating the need for additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor unit which emits the sound wave and receives the sound wave which hits a target and is returned
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic sensor unit which emits the sound wave and receives the sound wave
Implementation Method 3
a noise signal generated by an electromagnetic wave generated by a boundary wire defining the cleaning area
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot includes a body, a propulsion module, an ultrasound sensor module that is configured to detect a boundary of a cleaning area using a sound wave, and a controller configured to control the propulsion module based on the determined boundary. The ultrasound sensor module may include an ultrasonic sensor unit and a boundary detector. The sensor unit may emit the sound wave, receive the reflected sound wave from a target, and output a sound wave signal. And, the boundary detector may analyze the sound wave signal to detect the boundary of the cleaning area.