Robotic Garden Tool Anchor Detection for Narrow Passage Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic lawn mowers face challenges in navigating efficiently within operating areas that include multiple zones and narrow passages, often resulting in uneven mowing and wastage of time and battery power.
Innovation Solution
The robotic garden tool is equipped with sensors to detect anchors installed on the operating surface, allowing the electronic processor to control the wheel motors to move the tool in predetermined manners, such as along the boundary cable or away from it, to efficiently navigate through the operating area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional boundary cable systems are used without anchors, then the robotic mower can operate within the boundary, but it cannot efficiently navigate through narrow passages or distinguish between multiple operating zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anchors as intermediary objects that are installed at specific locations within the operating area. These anchors emit electromagnetic signals that serve as mediators between the boundary cable system and the robotic mower, enabling the mower to detect and respond to specific zones and passages without requiring complex mapping algorithms or expensive positioning systems.
2Measurement precision
If complex mapping algorithms and expensive positioning systems are used, then precise navigation and zone differentiation are achieved, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive anchor objects that emit electromagnetic signals instead of using expensive, complex positioning infrastructure. These anchors are straightforward electromagnetic signal sources that provide precise zone differentiation and navigation guidance at a fraction of the cost of sophisticated mapping and positioning systems, making the solution economically viable.
3Productivity
If the robotic mower operates without anchor detection, then the system is simpler, but it results in uneven mowing and wastage of time and battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the robotic mower continuously detects electromagnetic signals from anchors and uses this information to adjust its navigation in real-time. The mower receives feedback about its position relative to anchors and boundary cables, processes this information, and modifies its path accordingly, ensuring efficient navigation through narrow passages and even mowing across all zones without wasting time or battery power.
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
This solution enables more precise control of the robotic mower, ensuring even mowing across multiple zones and efficient traversal through narrow passages, without the need for complex mapping algorithms or expensive positioning and computing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to sense an electromagnetic signal from a boundary cable installed on the operating surface
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to sense a first anchor installed on the operating surface
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A robotic garden tool may include a first sensor configured to sense an electromagnetic signal from a boundary cable installed on an operating surface, and a second sensor configured to sense a first anchor installed on the operating surface. The robotic garden tool may also include an electronic processor configured to control, based on first sensor data received from the first sensor, operation of at least one wheel motor to control movement of the robotic garden tool such that the robotic garden tool remains within a boundary defined by the boundary cable. The electronic processor may also be configured to, in response to receiving second sensor data from the second sensor that indicates a sensing of the first anchor, control operation of the at least one wheel motor to control movement of the robotic garden tool in a first predetermined manner.