Mobile Carrier Charging for Multi-Property Robotic Lawn Mowers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available robotic lawn mowers are not suitable for professional caretakers responsible for multiple properties, as they lack the operational efficiency and security features needed for high-capacity lawn maintenance, and are at risk of theft and damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple robotic lawn mowers with rechargeable energy storage and a mobile carrier for efficient transportation and charging, along with a control system for optimized cutting capacity and security features like geofence alarms, to enhance operational hours and reduce theft risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple robotic lawn mowers are deployed for multiple properties, then cutting capacity increases, but transportation and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple robotic lawn mowers, holders, and charging systems into a single integrated mobile carrier unit. This merging allows all components to be transported together as one unified system, reducing the complexity of managing separate transportation for multiple mowers while maintaining increased cutting capacity through the use of multiple mowers simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile carrier is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a transportation vehicle and a charging station for multiple robotic lawn mowers. The carrier includes holders for securing mowers and an integrated charging system that can recharge multiple mowers simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate charging infrastructure at each property
2Productivity
If robotic lawn mowers are left unattended at multiple properties, then operational efficiency increases, but theft and damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic lawn mowers are equipped with autonomous navigation and self-charging capabilities, allowing them to return to the mobile carrier automatically when their battery is low or when mowing is complete. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual retrieval and recharging, maintaining operational efficiency while reducing theft and damage risks through continuous supervision
3Reliability
If base stations are installed at each property for charging, then charging reliability improves, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging function from traditional fixed base stations and consolidates it into a mobile carrier that can service multiple properties. The mobile carrier includes an integrated charging system with multiple charging ports and holders, allowing it to recharge multiple robotic lawn mowers simultaneously while being transported between properties, thereby reducing the need for complex fixed infrastructure at each location
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 allows for extended operational times and increased cutting capacity, while minimizing theft and damage risks, enabling efficient and economic use of robotic lawn mowers for multiple properties.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the robotic lawn mowers has a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
They are typically electric and powered by a rechargeable battery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2e
AI summary
A managing system for cutting a plurality of lawns (102a, b..) comprising A) two or more robotic lawn mowers (101a,b..,201a,b..) which each has a rechargeable energy storage, and B) a carrier (105a,105a+b,111,205) comprising a) at least two holders (107a,b..,112a,b..,207a,b..,307a,b..), each of which is capable of retaining one of said two or more robotic lawn mowers (101a,b..,101'a,b..,201a,b..) and b) a charging system (231/235+233+234) for said rechargeable energy storage. The invention also comprises the carrier (105a,105a+b,111,206) as such and a method in which the system and the carrier can be used. The mowers are typically battery powered.