Lawn Mower Bag Fullness Detection via Flap Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn mower systems for signaling the full grass collecting bag condition are not always evident to the operator, leading to potential inefficiencies in operation.
Innovation Solution
A lawn mower equipped with a proximity sensor system that detects the position of a movable flap on the collecting bag using magnetic or Hall effect sensors, generating clear visual and acoustic warnings when the bag is either properly mounted or full, enhancing operator awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical flap system is used to detect bag fullness, then the system is reliable, but the warning is not evident to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical flap system with an electronic detection system using optical sensors (infrared or visible light) that detect the flap's position and convert it into clear electronic signals. This substitution maintains the mechanical flap's reliable detection capability while adding electronic signaling to improve operator awareness through evident visual or audible warnings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic signaling system that mediates between the mechanical flap detector and the operator. The optical sensor acts as an intermediary that translates the mechanical flap's position into electrical signals, which are then processed and presented to the operator through clear visual displays or audible alarms, bridging the gap between reliable detection and effective communication.
2Loss of information
If electronic sensor systems are used to warn the operator, then operator awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors (infrared or visible light detectors) to replace complex mechanical linkages and electrical contacts. This substitution simplifies the system by using non-contact detection, eliminating the need for physical connections while providing clear electronic signals for operator awareness, thus improving awareness without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical sensor system to serve multiple functions: detecting the flap's open/closed position, determining bag fullness, and providing clear electronic signals for operator awareness. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving operator awareness while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to detect bag fullness, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure sensors with optical sensors that detect the position of a mechanical flap. This substitution maintains detection capability by using light-based detection instead of pressure measurement, while simplifying the system by eliminating the need for direct contact with the grass material and reducing the complexity associated with pressure sensing and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical flap as an intermediary that translates the complex pressure field inside the bag into a simple binary position state (open or closed). The optical sensor then detects this simplified position state, providing accurate detection capability while avoiding the complexity of directly measuring pressure or other complex physical quantities.
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 provides reliable and evident warnings about the bag condition, preventing operational inefficiencies by ensuring the operator is promptly informed of the bag's status, with a battery-powered design that extends autonomy up to 10 years.
Implementation Method 1
A lawn mower equipped with a proximity sensor system that detects the position of a movable flap on the collecting bag using magnetic or Hall effect sensors
Implementation Method 2
A lawn mower equipped with a proximity sensor system that detects the position of a movable flap on the collecting bag using magnetic or Hall effect sensors
Implementation Method 3
Mechanical systems exist, which take advantage of some phenomena resulting from the lawn mower's operation, such as the air flux generated by the rotation of the cutting blades circulating inside the bag
Data Source
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AI summary
A lawn mower (100) is described provided with a flap (102) arranged on a wall (103) of a bag (101) for collecting grass, said flap (102) being configured to lift up under the action of the air circulating inside the bag (101) when the lawn mower (100) is in operation and the bag (101) is not completely full, and also to lower down in the absence of air when the bag (101) is completely full. The lawn mower (100) comprises an apparatus (1) for detecting and signaling the bag (101) conditions, in turn comprising at least one proximity sensor (2) configured to detect a change in the flap (102) position and signaling means (6) adapted to warn the operator about the bag (101) conditions.