Robotic Mower Wheel Position Sensor for Inclined Operation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous ground treatment appliances, such as robotic lawnmowers, face operational issues when encountering obstacles or steps, leading to an inclined treatment unit position, which compromises proper operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor unit to detect the position of the wheel unit relative to the housing, allowing the control unit to deactivate the mower mechanism when the wheel is in an extended state, ensuring safe operation by preventing movement in an inclined position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ground treatment appliance operates autonomously without sensor monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of operation is compromised when obstacles or steps are encountered
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit detects wheel lift-off conditions in advance before the treatment unit can move into an inclined position. By monitoring wheel position continuously and preemptively, the system prevents harmful inclined operation from occurring, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex intervention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit provides real-time feedback on wheel position to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the control unit to monitor wheel lift-off conditions and deactivate the mower mechanism appropriately, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture
2Productivity
If the treatment unit is allowed to operate in inclined positions, then the productivity is maintained, but the manufacturing precision and operational safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit and control unit work together to apply preliminary anti-action by deactivating the mower mechanism before the treatment unit can move into an inclined position. This preventive measure avoids precision degradation and potential damage, ensuring that the treatment unit only operates in proper horizontal positions where precision is maintained
3Productivity
If the mower mechanism remains active during wheel lift-off, then the productivity is maintained, but the reliability and operational safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit continuously monitors wheel position and provides feedback to the control unit. When wheel lift-off is detected, the control unit receives this information and deactivates the mower mechanism, creating a feedback-based safety system that maintains operational reliability without requiring permanent system shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the mower mechanism based on real-time wheel position conditions. The mower can be active during normal operation for maximum productivity, and is deactivated only when wheel lift-off occurs, creating a dynamic safety response that optimizes both productivity and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous ground treatment appliance, in particular a robotic lawnmower, includes a housing, a running gear, a control unit, at least one wheel unit, and a sensor unit. The control unit is configured to control the autonomous ground treatment appliance. The at least one wheel unit is mounted on the housing so as to be at least partially movable relative to the housing. The sensor unit is configured to ascertain a position of the wheel unit relative to the housing.