Autonomous Lawn Robot Boundary Mapping With One Detachable Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing green space processing systems lack efficient methods for detecting and maintaining the boundary edge of a surface to be processed, often requiring multiple devices and user guidance, which can be cumbersome and costly.

Innovation Solution

A green area processing system featuring an autonomous mobile robot equipped with an edge detection device and a control unit that allows for detachable attachment and operation, enabling precise edge detection and movement control without additional edge detection devices, using a single edge detection device for both edge and robot data recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single edge detection device is used for both edge detection and robot data recording, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of edge detection devicesVSAvoidedge detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The edge detection device is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting boundary edges and recording robot position data. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through integrated sensor systems and unified data processing algorithms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines edge detection sensors and robot position recording capabilities into a single integrated device. The sensor system simultaneously captures boundary edge information and robot location data, merging previously separate functions into one unified detection system that reduces overall device count while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the edge detection device is detachably attached to the robot, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but reliability of data synchronization may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of edge detection deviceVSAvoiddata synchronization reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The edge detection device features a detachable attachment mechanism that allows it to be dynamically connected or disconnected from the robot as needed. This dynamic configuration enables flexible deployment scenarios while incorporating automatic data synchronization protocols that ensure reliability regardless of attachment state, using timestamped data packets and synchronization markers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the attachment status of the edge detection device and automatically adjust data synchronization protocols. When detached, the system uses stored synchronization data and timestamp validation to maintain data integrity, providing feedback loops that ensure reliability even during detachable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the edge detection device is guided manually along the boundary edge, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of edge detection setupVSAvoidedge detection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-mapping boundary edges during an initial guided setup phase, storing this data for subsequent autonomous operations. This preliminary edge mapping allows the robot to later navigate and detect edges autonomously without requiring continuous manual guidance, significantly improving productivity after the initial setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The robot incorporates autonomous navigation capabilities that allow it to self-guide along detected boundary edges using the previously stored edge data and onboard sensors. This self-service navigation reduces the need for continuous manual operation, enabling the system to autonomously perform edge detection and lawn care tasks, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of initial setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3747251B1Lawn care system, method for sensing at least one section of a delimiting edge of an area to be cared for, and method for operating an autonomous mobile lawn care robot
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3747251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3747251B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3747251B1 patent drawingFigure 9

AI summary

The invention relates to a green space management system, a method for detecting at least one section of a boundary edge of an area to be managed by means of a green space management system, in particular such a system, and a method for operating an autonomous mobile green space management robot of a green space management system, in particular such a system, on such an area to be managed with such a boundary edge.