Virtual Wall Device for Robot Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning robots face challenges with high power consumption and complex manufacturing costs due to continuous signal emission in barrier devices, which are necessary for confining their movement to avoid obstacles and navigate effectively in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A virtual wall device that emits a virtual wall signal only when a barrier detection signal is received, allowing the robot to divide the workspace into areas and confine its movement without continuous signal transmission, thereby reducing power consumption and simplifying the device structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the portable barrier signal transmitting device emits signals outward continuously, then the robot can be effectively prevented from unexpected collisions or falling, but it takes a huge consumption of power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having the barrier signal transmitting device emit signals intermittently rather than continuously. The device transmits barrier signals only when needed (when the robot approaches the barrier), reducing power consumption while maintaining collision prevention effectiveness. This is achieved through a control unit that activates the signal transmitter based on detected robot proximity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If larger batteries are used to provide more power for continuous signal emission, then the power consumption problem is temporarily solved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing periodic signal transmission, which reduces the overall power consumption to a level that can be sustained by smaller, more compact batteries. This eliminates the need for large-capacity batteries while maintaining the barrier protection function, thus reducing device volume.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the beacon machine transmits response signals to the mobile robot for replying instead of transmitting signals all the time, then the power consumption of the beacon machine can be reduced, but the complicate structure of the beacon machine becomes another issue because it necessitates to have more components assembled in the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of signal transmission and robot response into a simplified interaction model. The barrier signal transmitting device emits signals, and the robot's existing receiver and control systems handle the response, eliminating the need for complex bidirectional communication components in the beacon machine. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reduced power consumption.
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
This approach reduces power consumption and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for continuous signal emission and additional components, allowing for efficient navigation and obstacle avoidance with a simpler, more economical device.
Implementation Method 1
a portable barrier signal transmitting device emits a signal along an axis for creating a virtual barrier area
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for confining movement actions of a robot and a method thereof, the system comprising a virtual wall device and a robot, the virtual wall device is configured to receive a barrier detection signal in a predetermined receiving range and to emit a virtual wall signal, through the virtual wall signal, a work space can be virtually divided into a first work area and a second work area. The robot continuously emits the barrier detection signal during its operation and is able to receive the virtual wall signal; when the robot gets into the predetermined emitting range and receives the virtual wall signal, the robot decides to get across or escape by checking the information from the virtual wall signal with its passing record. Therefore, the system can be applied to confine the robot to operate in the first work area or the second work area.