Lawn Robot Boundary Edge Sensing for Autonomous Mowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing green space processing systems lack the ability to efficiently detect and process boundary edges of areas, particularly in autonomous and user-independent manners, leading to incomplete processing and potential boundary deviations.

Innovation Solution

A green area processing system equipped with a brush cutter, scythe position determination device, and position recording device that allows for the detection and recording of boundary edges, enabling autonomous processing by an autonomous mobile robot that remains within defined boundaries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If boundary edge detection is performed manually or with simple sensors, then the system structure remains simple, but the measurement precision and reliability of boundary detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboundary edge detection precisionVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a boundary edge detection device as an intermediary component that专门 detects boundary edges and provides detection results to the control unit. This mediator handles the complex detection task, allowing the main robot system to remain relatively simple while achieving high detection precision through the specialized detection device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical boundary detection with electronic/optical detection systems. The boundary edge detection device uses sensors (such as optical sensors or cameras) to detect boundary edges, substituting manual mechanical methods with automated electronic detection to improve precision while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If autonomous mobile robots are used for green space processing, then productivity increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring boundary edges worsens due to autonomous operation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegreen space processing efficiencyVSAvoidboundary edge detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the boundary edge detection device continuously monitors the robot's position relative to boundary edges and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the robot's movement based on this feedback, enabling autonomous operation while accurately maintaining boundary detection despite the increased complexity of autonomous navigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the robot operates autonomously without human intervention, then ease of operation improves, but the reliability of boundary detection and processing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operation capabilityVSAvoidboundary detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the robot to perform self-service through autonomous operation. The control unit automatically controls the robot's movement and processing operations based on boundary detection results, without requiring continuous human intervention. The system maintains reliability by integrating the specialized boundary edge detection device that provides accurate detection data for autonomous decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4235340B1Lawn care system, method for sensing at least one section of a delimiting edge of an area to be cared for, and method for operating an autonomous mobile lawn care robot
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP4235340B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4235340B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP4235340B1 patent drawingFigure 9

AI summary

The invention relates to a green space management system, a method for detecting at least one section of a boundary edge of an area to be managed by means of a green space management system, in particular such a system, and a method for operating an autonomous mobile green space management robot of a green space management system, in particular such a system, on such an area to be managed with such a boundary edge.