Flexible Mounting for Robotic Lawn Mower Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic lawn mowers with elastic-mounted outer shells face challenges in detecting obstacles due to limited flexibility and resilience, particularly in vertical movements, which can lead to unnecessary sensor activation and potential damage from external contacts.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mounting system comprising an inner hub, outer section, and multiple flexible spokes with a dog-leg shape, allowing relative displacement between the shell and the main body, providing greater stiffness in the vertical plane while accommodating horizontal movements, and constructed from elastomer materials for optimal deflection and damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional elastic-mounted shell is used, then the shell can move horizontally to detect obstacles, but the vertical stiffness is insufficient leading to false sensor activation
Solution Approach 1:
The shell is divided into multiple independent mounting sections, each with flexible spokes. This segmentation allows each section to independently manage vertical and horizontal movements, providing localized stiffness control without compromising overall shell flexibility for obstacle detection
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure uses different material properties in different regions - the spokes are made of elastomer material to provide vertical stiffness while allowing horizontal movement. This local differentiation of mechanical properties enables the shell to have high vertical stiffness at mounting points while maintaining overall flexibility
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shell is made more rigid to prevent movement, then vertical stability improves, but the ability to detect obstacles through movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection. The elastomer spokes allow the shell to dynamically adapt its position - maintaining vertical stability through elastic resistance while permitting horizontal displacement for obstacle detection and navigation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shell is allowed to move freely to detect obstacles, then adaptability improves, but false sensor activation from ground undulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure changes the mechanical parameters of the shell connection - using elastomer material with specific durometer and spoke geometry to create a mounting that permits horizontal movement thresholds for obstacle detection while establishing higher vertical movement thresholds to filter out ground undulation and prevent false sensor activation
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 flexible mounting system enhances the robotic lawn mower's ability to detect obstacles and prevent damage by allowing controlled movement and damping, reducing the likelihood of sensor activation from undulating ground and ensuring effective collision detection without excessive force on external objects.
Implementation Method 1
the hub, spoke and outer ring are constructed from an elastomer material
Implementation Method 2
providing greater stiffness or resilience in the vertical plane... allowing movement in both the horizontal and vertical directions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a flexible mounting, especially for an outer shell of an apparatus, particularly for a robotic apparatus. We describe a flexible connecting means for connecting a first section and a second section of an apparatus, said connecting means comprising a first mounting means, wherein said first mounting means comprises an inner hub 202, an outer section 201 and a plurality of flexible spokes 203 joining said inner hub with said outer section. The connecting means further comprises a second mounting means 302 with attachment means for attaching said second mounting means to said first section of said apparatus, a rigid ridge 301 to allow attachment to the outer section of the first mounting means and an elongate aperture, wherein said second section of said apparatus is connected to said inner hub by means of a section passing through said elongate aperture of said second mounting means to allow relative displacement between said first and said second sections.