Lawn Mower Robot Dynamic Cutting Method Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lawn mower robots face inefficiencies due to random cutting methods missing areas with obstacles, satellite navigation being disrupted by obstructions, and spiral methods increasing completion time by retracing routes.

Innovation Solution

A lawn mower robot equipped with sensors to measure operating conditions, a memory storing multiple cutting methods with threshold values, and a control unit to select the most efficient method based on sensor data, prioritizing methods like satellite navigation, spiral, and random movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If satellite navigation system is used to control robot movements, then cutting accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates when signals are screened by buildings, roofs, trees or other items

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting accuracyVSAvoidsignal reception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the operational parameters of the cutting method based on GPS signal quality. When signal strength falls below a threshold, the system transitions from precision-dependent satellite navigation to alternative methods (spiral or random patterns), maintaining reliability while accepting reduced cutting precision in the short term.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting control system dynamically switches between different cutting methods (satellite navigation, spiral, random) based on real-time GPS signal conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures the system maintains operational reliability under varying environmental conditions while optimizing cutting accuracy when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If spiral cutting method is used to reduce blade motor effort, then power consumption is improved, but time to complete cutting operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade motor energyVSAvoidcutting operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system adjusts the cutting pattern parameters based on grass conditions. When grass height or thickness exceeds thresholds indicating difficult cutting conditions, the system selects spiral pattern to reduce motor effort. For normal conditions, it uses more efficient linear or satellite-guided patterns, balancing energy consumption against time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If random cutting method is used in garden with many obstacles, then adaptability to obstacles is improved, but completeness of cutting deteriorates as some areas are not reached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle navigation adaptabilityVSAvoidcutting completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects cutting patterns based on obstacle density and distribution detected during operation. In high-obstacle areas, it employs random or spiral patterns for better navigation adaptability. In open areas, it uses satellite-guided linear paths to ensure complete coverage, thus balancing adaptability with cutting completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3289850B1Lawn mower robot and method for selecting a cutting method of a lawn mower robot
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 BERNINI FAB
  • EP3289850B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3289850B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3289850B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is a lawn mower robot (1) which comprises a plurality of sensors (2), configured for measuring a plurality of parameters relative to the operating conditions of the lawn mower robot (1), a control unit (4) and a legible storage support (3). The legible storage support (3) is configured for storing a plurality of possible cutting methods and, for each cutting method, a plurality of threshold values relative to the plurality of parameters. The control unit (4) is programmed for selecting a cutting method to be carried out according to a comparison between the parameters relating to the operating conditions of the lawn mower robot (1) and the threshold values stored in the legible storage support (3).