Lawn Mower Robot Navigation Without Perimeter Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn mower robots require precise installation of perimeter wires and initial mapping of working areas, which is cumbersome and inflexible, and suffer from GPS signal precision issues near obstacles, limiting their ability to autonomously navigate and adapt.
Innovation Solution
A lawn mower robot equipped with RTK GPS, radar or ultrasound sensors, and a processing module that creates a virtual map of the cutting zone by associating sensor-derived points with GPS coordinates, allowing for autonomous adaptation and precise obstacle avoidance without pre-installed perimeter wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If perimeter wire is installed to delimit working area and obstacles, then robot can autonomously navigate within boundaries, but installation becomes cumbersome and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the perimeter wire and initial mapping requirements from the system, replacing them with onboard sensors (GPS, radar, ultrasound) that enable the robot to independently detect and map its environment without external infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs its own environmental mapping and obstacle detection using integrated sensors, eliminating the need for external setup procedures. The system continuously builds and updates its own spatial model during operation
2Measurement precision
If initial mapping of working area is performed, then robot can maintain fixed references for movement, but system loses flexibility and requires significant setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static initial mapping approach into a dynamic real-time mapping system. The robot continuously updates its environmental model during operation, allowing adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining positioning accuracy through ongoing sensor data processing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing mapping before operation, the system performs preliminary actions by continuously gathering spatial data during operation, building the map progressively as the robot moves through the environment
3Device complexity
If GPS localisation is used to overcome perimeter wire requirements, then wire installation is eliminated, but precision is significantly reduced near obstacles like plants and walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing modalities (GPS, radar, ultrasound sensors) into an integrated positioning system. This combination allows the robot to use GPS for open-area positioning while relying on radar and ultrasound for precise obstacle detection and positioning in GPS-challenged environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radar and ultrasound sensors as intermediary detection systems that bridge the gap where GPS signals fail. These sensors act as mediators providing complementary spatial information in environments where satellite signals are blocked or degraded
4Stability of the object's composition
If robot maintains fixed references from initial mapping, then navigation is stable, but system cannot adapt to environmental changes or new obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data from radar, ultrasound, and GPS are constantly processed to update the robot's positional understanding and navigation plan. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain stable navigation while adapting to detected environmental changes
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 solution enables a flexible, precise, and reliable lawn mower robot that can autonomously navigate and adapt to changing environments, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for initial mapping and wire installation.
Implementation Method 1
The GPS type device 4 is configured to derive coordinates regarding a GPS position of the robot 1
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor 5, preferably of the radar type or of the ultrasound type, configured to detect the presence of grass and/or obstacles 6 in the cutting zone A
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor 5, preferably of the radar type or of the ultrasound type, configured to detect the presence of grass and/or obstacles 6 in the cutting zone A
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention concerns a lawn mower robot (1) which comprises grass cutting means (2) for performing an operation for cutting grass, movement means (3) configured for moving the lawn mower robot (1), a device (4) of the GPS type, configured for deriving coordinates regarding a GPS position of the robot (1), at least one sensor (5) configured for detecting the presence of grass and/or obstacles (6) in a cutting zone (A) and a processing module (7), coupled to the sensor (5) and to the GPS type device (4) in order to derive, by means of said sensor (5), a plurality of points (P) belonging to edges of a cutting zone (A) or defining obstacles (6) in the cutting zone (A), and associating with said points (P) GPS coordinates derived using the GPS type device (4).