Brushcutter Edge Sensing for Autonomous Lawn Boundary Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing green area processing systems lack the ability to efficiently detect and process boundary edges of areas, particularly in open spaces like meadows, and often require additional edge-scanning devices, which can be cumbersome and costly.

Innovation Solution

A green area processing system equipped with a brushcutter, a scythe position determination device, and a position recording device that allows for the detection and recording of boundary edge coordinates, enabling autonomous processing by an autonomous mobile robot without the need for additional edge-scanning devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional edge-scanning devices are used to detect boundary edges, then edge detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brushcutter is equipped with both cutting functionality and edge detection capability through integration of a position determination device. The same device serves dual purposes: guiding the brushcutter for cutting operations and detecting boundary edges by recording position coordinates when the brushcutter operates along the boundary, thereby eliminating the need for separate edge-scanning devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The position determination device and position recording device are merged with the brushcutter system. The brushcutter itself becomes the edge-detecting tool by utilizing its position data during operation along the boundary edge, combining edge detection function with the existing cutting tool rather than adding separate scanning equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If additional edge-scanning devices are used to detect boundary edges, then edge detection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge detection capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The brushcutter is equipped with both cutting functionality and edge detection capability through integration of a position determination device. The same device serves dual purposes: guiding the brushcutter for cutting operations and detecting boundary edges by recording position coordinates when the brushcutter operates along the boundary, thereby eliminating the need for separate edge-scanning devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The brushcutter system performs edge detection using its own position determination and recording devices during normal cutting operations. The system serves itself by utilizing operational data from the brushcutter's own components rather than requiring external scanning devices, reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a brushcutter with exposed cutting tool is used, then ability to process boundary edges is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process boundary edgesVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical operation with automated control. The position determination device and control unit enable the brushcutter to operate autonomously along detected boundary edges, reducing the need for direct human interaction with the exposed cutting tool and thereby mitigating safety risks while maintaining the ability to process boundary edges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3634108B1Lawn care system and method for sensing at least one section of a delimiting edge of an area to be cared for
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3634108B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3634108B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3634108B1 patent drawingFigure 9

AI summary

The invention relates to a lawn care system, to a method for sensing at least one section of a delimiting edge of an area to be cared for by means of a lawn care system, in particular such a lawn care system, and to a method for operating an autonomous mobile lawn care robot of a lawn care system, in particular of such a lawn care system, on such an area to be cared for having such a delimiting edge.