Autonomous Mower Steering Control for Slope Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous operation devices with moving blades experience inconsistent wheel grip on slopes, leading to slipping and getting stuck on slopes, causing uneven ground wear and potential stalling, especially when turning on uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

Implement a control method that adjusts steering strategies based on slope detection, using small-angle steering and wheel management to prevent slipping and ensure stable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the autonomous operation device performs direct steering on a sloped work surface, then the steering action can be completed quickly, but the driving wheel with weaker grip will slip causing lawn wear and the device may get stuck

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering speedVSAvoidsteering reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the steering parameters (steering angle, steering speed) based on the detected slope condition. When a slope is detected, the control unit adjusts the steering parameters to prevent slipping while completing the steering action, thus resolving the contradiction between steering speed and steering reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the autonomous operation device steers on a flat work surface, then the driving wheels have equal grip and steering is smooth, but this strategy fails when the work surface is sloped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering smoothnessVSAvoidadaptability to different terrain
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic steering strategy that adapts to different work surface conditions. The control unit detects the slope and dynamically adjusts the steering approach - using standard steering on flat surfaces and modified steering on sloped surfaces, thus achieving both steering smoothness and adaptability to different terrain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the autonomous operation device uses a conservative steering strategy on slopes to prevent slipping, then ground wear is reduced, but the steering action takes longer and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground wearVSAvoidsteering efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes steering parameters based on slope detection to achieve the best balance between preventing ground wear and maintaining steering efficiency. By adjusting parameters like steering angle and speed according to the actual slope conditions, the system minimizes lawn wear while completing steering actions in reasonable time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances stability and prevents slipping by adjusting steering based on slope, ensuring smooth operation and reducing ground damage.

Implementation Method 1

determining, based on a slope signal sensed by the first sensing unit, whether a slope of a work surface where the autonomous operation device is currently located exceeds a preset slope threshold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSlope sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP4659558A1Control method for autonomous operation device, and autonomous operation device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 ZHEJIANG SUNSEEKER IND CO LTD
  • EP4659558A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4659558A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4659558A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A control method for an autonomous operation device. The method comprises: if an autonomous operation device needs to execute a steering action, determining, according to a slope signal that is sensed by a first sensing unit, whether the slope of a working surface where the autonomous operation device is currently located exceeds a preset slope threshold value; if the slope of the working surface where the autonomous operation device is currently located is greater than the preset slope threshold value, controlling the autonomous operation device to execute the steering action according to a first steering strategy; and if the slope of the working surface where the autonomous operation device is currently located is less than or equal to the preset slope threshold value, controlling the autonomous operation device to execute the steering action according to a second steering strategy. In the method, the slope of a working surface where an autonomous operation device is located is obtained by means of a first sensing unit, and according to different slopes of the working surface where the autonomous operation device is located, the autonomous operation device is controlled to execute steering according to different steering strategies, thereby avoiding skidding and grass grinding caused by direct steering of the autonomous operation device. Further comprised are a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and an autonomous operation device.