Autonomous Mower Self-Washing System Using Work Unit Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous traveling work machines, such as robotic mowers, do not have an effective method to wash off dirt that adheres to their main body surfaces other than the wheels, and existing solutions do not utilize liquid washing processes.
Innovation Solution
A washing system comprising an autonomous traveling work machine and a washing station, where the machine includes a controller that operates a work unit with a spreading member to distribute washing liquid on the main body, a lifting and lowering unit to facilitate cleaning, and a second drive to travel and slide on a sliding member for effective washing, with the washing station providing water and power for the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an autonomous traveling work machine operates without a washing system, then the device complexity is reduced, but dirt accumulates on the work machine main body affecting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous traveling work machine performs washing operations independently by autonomously navigating to the washing station, positioning itself correctly, and executing the washing process without human intervention. The machine's controller coordinates the washing liquid supply, work member rotation, and spreading member operation, enabling the system to maintain itself automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The work member is designed to serve dual functions: performing the primary work function (e.g., cutting grass) and acting as a washing element through its rotation that spreads washing liquid across the main body. The spreading member with openings also contributes to both water distribution and mechanical cleaning action.
2Ease of operation
If manual washing methods using hoses are used, then washing capability is provided, but ease of operation decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous traveling work machine performs washing operations independently by autonomously navigating to the washing station, positioning itself correctly, and executing the washing process without human intervention. The machine's controller coordinates the washing liquid supply, work member rotation, and spreading member operation, enabling the system to maintain itself automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing system is pre-configured at the washing station with all necessary components (water supply, work member, spreading member) ready before the machine arrives. The autonomous navigation to the washing station ensures the machine positions itself in advance for immediate washing operation, minimizing idle time.
3Device complexity
If the work member remains stationary during washing, then device complexity is reduced, but washing effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The work member is designed to rotate during the washing process, transforming from a static component to a dynamic cleaning element. This rotation is controlled by the controller to occur at appropriate speeds and directions, enabling the work member to spread washing liquid across different surfaces of the main body for comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The work member is designed to serve dual functions: performing the primary work function (e.g., cutting grass) and acting as a washing element through its rotation that spreads washing liquid across the main body. The spreading member with openings also contributes to both water distribution and mechanical cleaning action.
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 system effectively washes off dirt from the work machine's main body surfaces, ensuring the machine remains clean and functional, with the autonomous operation ensuring convenience and efficiency in maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a spreading member spreading the washing liquid on the work member. The spreading member has an opening causing the washing liquid to flow out
Implementation Method 2
the controller causes the second drive to drive the work machine main body to travel so that a washing target portion of the work machine main body slides on a sliding member being disposed on the washing station
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mower (2) executes a mowing work while traveling autonomously. Furthermore, the mower (2) includes a mower main body (2A) and a first controller (20) that controls an operation of the mower main body (2A) so that the mower main body (2A) is washed with tap water that is supplied from a washing station (3). The mower (2) includes, for example, a work unit (14) that executes the mowing work, and the first controller (20) operates the work unit (14) so that the mower main body (2A) is washed.