Automatic Mower Work Path Control for Complex Terrain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power machines, such as zero-turn mowers, lack the ability to efficiently and automatically determine and follow customized work paths for mowing operations, limiting their effectiveness in navigating complex terrains.

Innovation Solution

A power machine system that includes a control system with an electronic processor to receive and record geographical points, defining a work path, and autonomously travel along this path to perform tasks like mowing, using a positioning system and actuators to adjust the machine's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If power machines use traditional manual control methods, then operators have flexibility in navigation, but the machines cannot automatically determine and follow customized work paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic work path determinationVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that uses GPS receivers, electronic processors, and memory devices to automatically determine and follow work paths, eliminating the need for manual navigation while achieving precise path following

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The power machine performs self-navigation by automatically recording its own position data via GPS, storing position information in memory, and autonomously determining work paths without requiring continuous external guidance or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If power machines follow fixed predetermined paths, then navigation is simple, but they cannot adapt to complex terrains and customized work areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework path adaptabilityVSAvoidpath determination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary path determination by recording position data and defining work paths before actual mowing operations begin, allowing the machine to adapt to complex terrains in advance and execute customized paths efficiently during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The work path determination system is dynamic and flexible, allowing operators to customize work paths based on specific terrain requirements and operational needs, rather than being constrained to fixed predetermined patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If power machines use basic navigation systems, then the system remains simple, but they cannot achieve precise position tracking and path following

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking precisionVSAvoidnavigation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces basic mechanical navigation with precision electronic positioning systems including GPS receivers that continuously track position data, electronic processors that calculate precise locations, and memory devices that store position information for accurate path following

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12591243B2Path determination for automatic mowers

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 DOOSAN BOBCAT NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for controlling automatic travel of a power machine, particularly a mower. A set of points associated with a geographical area can be used to define a work path for a work task associated with the geographical area. The power machine can be controlled to perform the work task by traveling along the work path.