Magnetometer Door Access for Secure Robotic Mower Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system and method to detect robotic lawnmowers and selectively allow them to pass through barriers while preventing animals, debris, or intruders from doing so, as existing technologies lack an efficient mechanism for autonomous vehicle access control.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a magnet attached to the autonomous vehicle and a magnetometer located near the doorway, which outputs a detection signal to a transmitter, triggering a locking mechanism to unlock and lock the door based on the vehicle's proximity and movement, ensuring secure passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a door or gate is installed to limit access for security purposes, then security is improved, but autonomous vehicles cannot pass through the barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the autonomous vehicle using a magnetometer before the vehicle reaches the door. The magnetometer detects the magnet on the vehicle at a distance, triggering the door to open in advance, allowing the vehicle to pass through smoothly without manual intervention while maintaining security for other entities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element attached to the autonomous vehicle and a magnetometer as a detection intermediary in the barrier system. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic identification and door operation, resolving the conflict between security restrictions and autonomous vehicle access requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the door opens for a long period to allow vehicle passage, then autonomous vehicle access is improved, but security is compromised by allowing unauthorized passage
Solution Approach 1:
The door operates with periodic, controlled opening based on detection signals. The door opens for a specific duration only when a magnetometer signal is detected, and automatically closes after the predetermined time period. This periodic action ensures the door remains secure by limiting exposure time while still allowing autonomous vehicle passage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the magnetometer to control door operation. When the magnetometer detects the magnet on the autonomous vehicle, it sends a signal to open the door. After a predetermined time period, the system automatically closes the door, creating a feedback-controlled security mechanism that balances access and security
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
Enables the robotic mower to autonomously access different areas without manual intervention, improving efficiency and security by preventing unauthorized passage through the barrier.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetometer located some distance from the doorway, and also coupled to a transmitter. The magnetometer outputs a magnetometer signal in response to detecting the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Access control for an autonomous vehicle through a door in a doorway. A magnet is attached to the autonomous vehicle and a magnetometer is located some distance from the doorway. The magnetometer outputs a magnetometer signal in response to detecting the magnet, which causes the transmitter to transmit a detection signal. A doorway device is fixed about the doorway, and includes a receiver, and a locking mechanism with a locking pin. The doorway device retracts the pin to unlock the door for a predetermined period of time in response to receipt of the detection signal, and extents the pin to lock the door after the predetermined period of time ends.