Automated Leveling System with Depression Detector Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated lawnmowers and robotic tools cannot detect or repair depressions and irregularities in ground surfaces, which poses safety risks and affects the usability and aesthetics of greenspaces and paved surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An automated leveling system equipped with a surface traveling device, a depression detector arm assembly, level-sensing detectors, and a computing device that senses surface irregularities and automatically dispenses grass seed or soil to fill in depressions, using a dispensing compartment and electronically operated spout.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated lawnmowers and robotic tools are used for maintaining surfaces, then productivity is improved, but the ability to detect and repair surface irregularities is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface maintenance efficiencyVSAvoidsurface irregularity detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The automated lawnmower is transformed into a multi-functional device by integrating a level-sensing detector and depression detector arm assembly. The system can both mow grass and detect surface irregularities, allowing one device to perform multiple functions including productivity maintenance and reliability monitoring of surface conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A level-sensing detector serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between automated operation and surface irregularity detection. This detector acts as a mediator that translates physical surface variations into detectable signals, enabling the automated system to perceive and respond to surface conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a level-sensing detector is added to detect depressions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepression detection accuracyVSAvoidleveling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The depression detection function is segmented into a separate, modular depression detector arm assembly that can operate independently. This segmentation allows the detection system to be added without completely redesigning the lawnmower, maintaining measurement precision while managing device complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The depression detector arm assembly incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to varying surface conditions. The arm can move and adjust its position dynamically, enabling precise depression detection across different terrain types without requiring an overly complex fixed structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If grass seed or soil is dispensed to fill depressions, then surface quality is improved, but loss of substance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface levelnessVSAvoidgrass seed and soil consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of depressions before they become significant problems. By detecting and filling small depressions early, the system prevents the need for larger amounts of fill material later, reducing overall substance consumption while maintaining surface quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The level-sensing detector provides continuous feedback about surface conditions to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor depression formation in real-time and respond with precise, minimal amounts of fill material only where needed, optimizing surface quality while minimizing grass seed and soil consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively detects and repairs surface depressions, enhancing safety and aesthetics by maintaining even surfaces, preventing accidents and ensuring proper gameplay on sports fields and uniform growth in greenspaces.

Implementation Method 1

The level-sensing detector senses a level of a surface as the surface traveling device operates across the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The computing device commands an electronically operated spout to dispense the determined amount of grass seed, soil, or grass seed mixed with soil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven dispensing: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11297758B2Automated leveling system for maintaining level of a surface

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 THE WEATHER CO LLC

AI summary

An automated leveling system for maintaining a level of a surface, comprising a surface traveling device and a leveling module attached to the surface traveling device. The leveling module comprises a depression detector arm assembly, at least one computing device, and a level-sensing detector. The level-sensing detector senses a level of a surface as the surface traveling device operates across the surface. The level-sensing detector moves across the surface according to the operation of the surface traveling device, and transmits a depression reporting signal to the computing device. The depression reporting signal indicates the presence of a depression in the surface if the level-sensing detector contacts a depression in the surface over a depression threshold.