Automated Gate for Robotic Mowers with Magnetic Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic mowers face challenges in navigating between fenced front and back yards without manual intervention, raising security, privacy, pet safety, and aesthetic concerns due to the need for an opening in the fence.
Innovation Solution
An automated gate system comprising a frame, two-way hinges, springs, a triggering matrix with magnet sensors, and a locking mechanism, allowing the gate to automatically open and close for the mower while ensuring security and aesthetics, with a steel frame and doors designed to accommodate different angles and reduce wind impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an opening is made in the fence to enable the mower to move between yards autonomously, then the mower can navigate between front and back yards without manual intervention, but security concerns, privacy concerns, and pet safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The gate system transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state only when the robotic mower is detected by the triggering matrix, and then returns to closed state automatically. This dynamic behavior allows autonomous navigation while maintaining security when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering matrix provides feedback detection of the robotic mower's approach, which triggers the gate opening sequence. The system continuously monitors and adjusts gate state based on mower presence, enabling secure automated operation.
2Ease of operation
If an opening is made in the fence for mower access, then the mower can move between yards autonomously, but aesthetic challenges and privacy concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into multiple segments including a frame, multiple doors, and individual panels. This segmentation allows the gate to maintain a complete fence-like appearance when closed while providing controlled openings when needed, preserving aesthetics and privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate panels are designed to be dynamically movable rather than permanently open. When closed, they provide continuous fencing for aesthetics and privacy; when opened by the automated system, they enable mower passage.
3Reliability
If the gate structure is made robust to ensure security and withstand wind, then security and stability are improved, but the weight and complexity of the gate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate structure uses different materials and thicknesses in different locations - stronger materials at critical structural points (frame, hinge attachments, locking mechanism) and lighter materials in non-critical areas (gate panels). This provides necessary strength and security while minimizing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - steel components for structural strength and security, lighter materials for panels to reduce weight. This composite approach achieves both security requirements and weight reduction.
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 between yards while enhancing security and aesthetics by ensuring the gate is only open when the mower is passing through, then returning to a locked position, thus addressing the concerns of security and pet safety.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of two-way hinges may be attached to the frame and the at least two doors. The plurality of two-way hinges may be operable to allow the at least two doors to move in two directions.
Implementation Method 2
The at least two springs may be attached to the frame and the at least two doors and may be operable to return the at least two doors to a closed position when they are opened.
Implementation Method 3
The triggering matrix may further comprise a plurality of magnet sensors that may be on either side of the fence, a magnet that may be attached to a front underside of the robotic mower
Implementation Method 4
The locking mechanism may further comprise a horizontal beam, a linear actuator that may be attached to and may be operable to move the horizontal beam
Data Source
AI summary
An automated gate for robotic mowers may include at least one door that may be sized to receive a robotic mower, and it can be installed in any fence to enable the mower to move between the yards on its own. The at least one door of an automated gate may provide optional capability to lock when not used by the mower and unlock automatically when the mower gets close. By default, the at least one door may remain unlocked, yet closed, thereby providing a cost-effective solution for customers who do not have to worry about pets. An add-on module may be provided that may add a locking mechanism and triggering mechanism, thereby providing end users with the ability to lock the automated gate completely.