Lawn Mower Robot Radar Sensing for Grass and Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lawn mower robots equipped with video camera systems for detecting grass are inefficient and prone to damage due to exposure to atmospheric and soiling agents, and are not effective in varying lighting conditions, leading to reduced performance and potential damage from resistant surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A lawn mower robot equipped with a radar sensor system that emits electromagnetic waves to detect the presence of grass, positioned inside the frame for protection and optimized for robustness, using a coherent pulse radar sensor with directional emission and reception to ensure accurate grass detection without being affected by environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If video camera systems are used to detect grass presence, then the system can identify grass areas, but the system is exposed to atmospheric and soiling agents causing reduced reliability and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical video camera system with a radar-based detection system. The radar sensor emits electromagnetic waves and detects reflections from grass, providing reliable detection without exposure to atmospheric conditions or soiling agents that damage video cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary between the detection system and the grass. The radar sensor uses electromagnetic wave emission and reflection detection to indirectly sense grass presence, avoiding direct exposure of sensitive components to environmental factors.
2Measurement precision
If video camera systems are used to detect grass presence, then the system can identify grass areas, but performance is reduced in varying lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces lighting-dependent video camera systems with a radar system that operates independently of ambient light conditions. The radar sensor detects grass through electromagnetic wave reflection, providing consistent performance whether it is day, night, or in varying weather conditions.
3Productivity
If the robot passes cutting means on resistant surfaces like paved areas or ground with stones, then complete area coverage is achieved, but damage to cutting means occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of grass presence using the radar sensor before the cutting means engages with the ground. This allows the control system to identify non-grass surfaces in advance and prevent the cutting means from contacting resistant surfaces like pavement or stones, avoiding damage while maintaining coverage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the radar sensor continuously detects surface type ahead of the cutting means, and the control system adjusts the robot's path or cutting operation accordingly. This real-time feedback prevents damage by avoiding contact with harmful surfaces while ensuring complete grass coverage.
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 radar sensor system provides a robust and reliable method for detecting grass, reducing energy inefficiencies and damage risks, while maintaining performance across different conditions, and offering lower production costs compared to traditional video camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
said detection system comprises a radar sensor configured for sending an electromagnetic wave and for receiving a reflected electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 2
said radar sensor is configured for sending the electromagnetic wave, directing it towards the area of ground, and receiving a reflected electromagnetic wave
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a lawn mower robot (1) comprising: - a frame (2); - cutting means (3) configured for cutting grass, adjusting the height; - movement means (4), associated with the frame (2) for moving it along a working trajectory (X) in a feed direction (V); - a system (5) for detecting the presence of grass in an area of ground (G) along the working trajectory (X) in the feed direction (V); - a computerised command and control unit (6) operatively associated with said cutting means (3), movement means (4) and detection system (5); said detection system (5) comprises a radar sensor (5R) configured for sending an electromagnetic wave (M) towards the ground (G), receiving a reflected electromagnetic wave (M') from the ground (G) and transmitting a signal representing said reflected electromagnetic wave (M') to the command and control unit (6).