Garden Vehicle Autonomous Docking via Electromagnetic Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garden irrigation systems face challenges in automatically finding and connecting to a water supply station, as they require manual intervention or complex navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A garden care vehicle equipped with two navigation modes: a first mode for detecting the position of the water supply station and a second mode for precise autonomous navigation to couple with the water outlet, using sensors and a coupling element for efficient connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention or complex navigation systems are used for finding and connecting to water supply station, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary docking system consisting of a docking station with electromagnetic sensor and a coupling element on the garden care vehicle. This intermediary mechanism mediates the connection process between the vehicle and water supply, enabling automatic reliable connection without complex navigation. The electromagnetic sensor detects the coupling element's position and guides automatic docking, simplifying the system while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is used for connecting to water supply station, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and automation extent deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The garden care vehicle is equipped with a coupling element that enables it to autonomously dock with the water supply station. The electromagnetic sensor on the docking station detects the coupling element and guides the automatic docking process. Once docked, the vehicle can independently refill its water tank without human intervention, achieving self-service operation and improving irrigation productivity.
3Extent of automation
If complex navigation systems are used for autonomous navigation, then extent of automation is improved, but ease of operation and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary docking mechanism with electromagnetic sensor that simplifies autonomous navigation. Instead of complex path planning and positioning systems, the vehicle uses the electromagnetic field generated by the docking station to automatically locate and dock with the water supply station. This intermediary system enables autonomous operation while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive electromagnetic guidance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a garden care vehicle (10) comprising at least one watering device, wherein the at least one watering device includes at least one coupling element (90) for coupling the at least one watering device to an external water outlet (120) of a water supply station (110) for supplying the watering device with water, wherein the garden care vehicle (10) is configured to be navigable or to navigate in a first non-autonomous or autonomous navigation mode and to detect a position of the water supply station (110) or the external water outlet (120) or a position marking element (140) associated with said external water outlet (120), and in response to a detection of the position of the water supply station (110) or the external water outlet (120) or the position marking element (140) to navigate in a second autonomous navigation mode, wherein, in the first navigation mode, the garden care vehicle (10) is configured to be navigated non-autonomously or to navigate autonomously towards the water supply station (110), and wherein, in the second navigation mode, the garden care vehicle (10) is configured to navigate autonomously into a position relative to the detected position of the water supply station (110) or the external water outlet (120) or the position marking element (140) in which the at least one coupling element (90) can be coupled to the external water outlet (120).