Autonomous Mower Handle Assembly for Wire-Free Perimeter Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous lawn mowers require time-consuming installation of boundary wires, which can be damaged and require additional manual tools for inaccessible areas.
Innovation Solution
The development of stowable handles in autonomous vehicles that allow for manual mode operation and perimeter training, with onboard handle storage for autonomous operation, and a system for storing and training the vehicle within a defined work region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If boundary wire is installed to define property boundary, then autonomous mower can operate autonomously, but installation is time-consuming and wire may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the boundary wire from the system entirely, replacing it with GPS-based virtual boundaries. This extraction eliminates the installation time and damage risks associated with physical wires while maintaining autonomous operation capability through satellite positioning and electronic perimeter definition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical boundary wire system with an electronic/GPS-based boundary definition system. Instead of using physical wires that require installation and maintenance, the system uses satellite signals and software-defined perimeters, eliminating the harmful installation and maintenance processes while achieving the same autonomous operation goal.
2Extent of automation
If boundary wire is laid on ground surface, then boundary can be defined, but wire is easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the physical wire from the boundary definition system and replaces it with invisible GPS coordinates. This eliminates the wire's vulnerability to damage from mowing operations, landscaping activities, or accidental disconnection, while maintaining reliable boundary definition through electronic means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the fragile mechanical wire system with a robust electronic/GPS-based system. The virtual boundaries defined by satellite positioning are immune to physical damage, providing superior reliability for autonomous operation without requiring physical infrastructure that can be compromised.
3Ease of operation
If handle assembly is extended for manual operation, then operator control is enabled, but vehicle cannot operate autonomously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic handle assembly that can extend and retract based on operational mode. During autonomous operation, the handle retracts to avoid interference. When manual operation is required, the handle extends to provide operator control. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its configuration to the current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal handle assembly that serves multiple functions: it provides manual control when extended and retracts to enable autonomous operation when not needed. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for different operational modes, allowing seamless transition between manual and autonomous operation.
4Productivity
If secondary manual device is used for inaccessible areas, then complete property can be mowed, but additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the autonomous mower universally capable of handling all mowing scenarios by equipping it with manual override capability through the extendable handle. This single device can now perform both autonomous mowing of accessible areas and manual mowing of inaccessible areas, eliminating the need for separate secondary equipment while achieving complete property coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handle assembly for an autonomous vehicle such as a lawn mower is provided and may include a cradle adapted to receive a mobile computer. The mobile computer may communicate with a controller carried by the mower. The handle assembly may be configured in both an autonomous mode position and a manual mode position. The vehicle may operate autonomously when the handle assembly is in the autonomous mode position, and be adapted to move under manual operator control, e.g., for perimeter training, when the handle assembly is in the manual mode position. Methods for training the mower and apparatus for storing the mower are also provided.