Mobile Vehicle Rangefinder Layout for Autonomous Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated mobile vehicles, such as UAVs and ground-based systems, require human intervention to avoid collisions with other vehicles or objects, limiting their autonomous operation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple rangefinders mounted on automated mobile vehicles that can alter their pitch, roll, and yaw to project laser signals in various directions, combined with motor-integrated rangefinders, allows for comprehensive object detection and avoidance by determining distances and positions relative to objects using time-of-flight measurements, and communication with other vehicles and fixed position transmitters for navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple rangefinders are mounted on automated mobile vehicles to enable comprehensive object detection, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rangefinders into a single integrated sensing system mounted on the automated mobile vehicle. The rangefinders are merged with the vehicle's existing motor and control structures, allowing comprehensive object detection while sharing common hardware resources and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rangefinders are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting objects in various directions, determining distances through time-of-flight measurements, and providing data for both navigation and collision avoidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each detection task.
2Area of stationary object
If rangefinders alter pitch, roll, and yaw to project laser signals in various directions, then detection area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rangefinders are mounted on movable platforms or integrated with the vehicle's articulation mechanisms, allowing them to dynamically change their orientation and projection direction. This dynamic positioning enables a single rangefinder to cover multiple directions and areas without requiring fixed sensors in every possible direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's pitch, roll, and yaw movements to add temporal and spatial dimensions to the detection process. Instead of placing sensors in all directions simultaneously, the vehicle moves through different orientations to scan the environment, converting a spatial problem into a temporal-spatial solution.
3Area of stationary object
If motor-integrated rangefinders are used to rotate with the motor, then detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rangefinder is integrated directly into the motor assembly, sharing the motor's housing, mounting structures, and rotation mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, alignment systems, and control mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing while enabling the rangefinder to rotate with the motor for comprehensive coverage.
4Reliability
If autonomous navigation and collision avoidance systems are implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where rangefinder data is constantly monitored, processed, and used to adjust the vehicle's navigation in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables autonomous collision avoidance by comparing detected objects with the planned path and automatically making corrections without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated mobile vehicle performs its own collision avoidance and navigation adjustments without external human control. The system uses its integrated rangefinders and processing capabilities to independently detect hazards, calculate safe paths, and execute avoidance maneuvers, making the vehicle self-sufficient in safety-critical functions.
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 autonomous navigation and collision avoidance without human intervention, enhancing the safety and efficiency of automated mobile vehicles by covering a larger area with precise object detection and position determination.
Implementation Method 1
the laser based rangefinder is configured to emit a laser signal that projects out of the cavity toward an object, reflect off the object and return to the laser based rangefinder; and the laser based rangefinder is further configured to receive the reflected laser signal and determine a distance to the object
Implementation Method 2
emit a laser signal that projects out of the cavity toward an object, reflect off the object and return to the laser based rangefinder
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
This disclosure describes an automated mobile vehicle that includes one or more distance determining elements configured to detect the presence of objects and to cause the automated mobile vehicle to alter its path to avoid the object. For example, a distance determining element may be incorporated into one or more of the motors of the automated mobile vehicle and configured to determine a distance to an object. Based on the determined distance, a path of the automated mobile vehicle may be altered.