Helical Height Adjust System for Robotic Mower Cutting Implements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic lawn mowers lack efficient and secure methods for adjusting the cutting height of their cutting implements, which is essential for maintaining optimal lawn height and adapting to varying terrain.

Innovation Solution

A height adjust system that includes a user interface accessible from the exterior of the robotic vehicle, allowing operators to select and adjust the cutting height by rotating a helical thread mechanism, which is unlocked by translating the interface in a parallel direction, and then locks at the selected height, ensuring secure operation and preventing unwanted height drift.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed height cutting implement is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to varying terrain and lawn height requirements is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying terrainVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting implement height is made dynamically adjustable through a user interface that allows operators to rotate a dial to select different height positions. The system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one where the cutting implement can be easily repositioned to adapt to varying terrain and lawn height requirements while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a straightforward rotational adjustment mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a height adjustment mechanism is added, then the adaptability to different cutting heights is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting height adjustment rangeVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The height adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-operating through a user interface that translates rotational input directly into height adjustment action. The operator simply rotates a dial, and the system automatically adjusts the cutting implement height without requiring complex manual manipulation or multiple steps, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing height adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter from fixed height to variable height by introducing a rotational dial interface. This parameter change allows the cutting height to be adjusted according to different lawn conditions while the rotational interface maintains operational simplicity by converting a single rotational motion into the desired height adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of height setting is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight setting stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism incorporates feedback through a detent system that provides tactile confirmation when the cutting implement reaches the selected height position. The rotational dial interacts with detent features that engage at specific positions, providing feedback to the operator that the height is locked, thereby ensuring reliability without requiring complex electronic or mechanical locking systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If the user interface is always unlocked, then the ease of adjustment is improved, but the reliability of maintaining selected height is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment accessibilityVSAvoidheight maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface employs a dynamic locking state that transitions between unlocked and locked conditions. The system is unlocked during adjustment operations to allow easy modification of height, then automatically locks once the desired position is reached to maintain reliability. This dynamic state change allows the system to satisfy both ease of operation and reliability requirements at different operational phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables easy, compact, and secure adjustment of cutting height, allowing the robotic mower to maintain optimal lawn height and adapt to obstacles, enhancing operational efficiency and preventing damage from uneven terrain.

Implementation Method 1

rotation of the user interface about an axis of rotation adjusts the cutting height

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical thread: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS20240324499A1Height adjust system for a robotic vehicle and robotic vehicles with height adjust systems

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP

AI summary

Robotic vehicles, height adjust systems to selectively raise and lower a cutting implement of robotic vehicles, and methods of adjusting cutting heights of cutting implements on robotic vehicles. A height adjust system includes a user interface configured to be accessible from an exterior of a body of the robotic vehicle, wherein rotation of the user interface about an axis of rotation adjusts a height of the cutting implement, and wherein the user interface is unlocked to enable rotation by translating the user interface in a direction generally parallel with the axis of rotation prior to rotation of the user interface.