Moving robot and method for controlling the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moving robots for lawn mowing are vulnerable to theft and damage in outdoor environments due to lack of effective security measures, and there is a need for accurate theft detection and follow-up measures to prevent such incidents.

Innovation Solution

A moving robot equipped with a sensing unit, communication unit, output unit, and controller that detects theft based on posture and position information, and restricts operations to prevent theft by setting an anti-theft mode, including features like handle, driving unit, and boundary area definition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a moving robot travels in an outdoor environment, then the working area and functionality are improved, but the vulnerability to theft and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking areaVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary security measures by defining a boundary area before the robot operates, and by preparing anti-theft detection mechanisms (sensors, communication units) in advance. The system proactively monitors the robot's position and detects unauthorized removal attempts before theft can occur, rather than reacting after the fact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary elements including boundary definition wires, sensor units, and communication systems that mediate between the robot and the external environment. These intermediaries detect unauthorized interactions and transmit alerts, creating a protective layer between the valuable robot and potential thieves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an anti-theft detection system is added to the moving robot, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the robot's existing components serve multiple functions. The sensing units originally designed for obstacle detection now also detect unauthorized removal attempts. The communication unit used for normal operation also transmits theft alerts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated anti-theft hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the anti-theft detection functionality with the robot's existing navigation and sensing systems. The boundary detection, position monitoring, and theft detection are integrated into a unified control system, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the robot operates without boundary constraints, then the mobility and productivity are improved, but the risk of unauthorized removal increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoidtheft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback by monitoring the robot's position relative to the defined boundary and detecting unauthorized removal attempts. When the robot attempts to leave the boundary area or is detected as being removed, the system receives feedback signals and responds by triggering alerts and activating anti-theft measures, allowing normal mobility within bounds while preventing theft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3894143B1Moving robot and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3894143B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3894143B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP3894143B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A moving robot and a method for controlling the moving robot detects a theft of the moving robot based on posture information for a main body of the moving robot and position information of the moving robot. Operation of the moving robot is restricted depending on whether a theft of the moving robot is detected.