Perimeter Marking for Robotic Working Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic working tools, such as lawnmowers, face limitations in servicing large areas due to the practical maximum length of boundary wires, which restricts their use to small gardens and similar spaces, necessitating multiple systems for larger areas, increasing costs significantly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a robotic working tool system that operates with multiple boundary wires to create a composite work area, where each partial work area is delimited by its own boundary wire, allowing the tool to detect and navigate within a common perimeter defined by multiple control signals, thereby extending the operational area without the need for multiple systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single boundary wire is used to delimit the work area, then the system structure is simple and cost-effective, but the maximum service area is limited to approximately 40,000 sqm due to capacitance limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large work area into multiple partial work areas, each delimited by its own boundary wire. Instead of using one long boundary wire that would exceed capacitance limits, the system uses several shorter boundary wires (first boundary wire, second boundary wire, etc.) that each stay within the 800-meter maximum length. The robotic working tool is configured to operate across all these partial areas collectively forming a composite work area, thus overcoming the area limitation while keeping each wire segment within safe electrical parameters.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple robotic systems are deployed to service larger areas, then the service area capacity is increased, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single robotic working tool to perform the function of multiple robotic systems by configuring it to operate across a composite work area formed by multiple partial work areas. The robotic tool maintains its standard navigation and operation capabilities while being adapted to work within the composite area defined by multiple boundary wires. This allows one universal robotic system to service large areas that would otherwise require multiple specialized systems, significantly reducing the total system cost.
3Ease of operation
If geolocational signals like GPS are used for perimeter marking, then the physical installation is very easy and the system is not limited by cable length, but the programming complexity increases and navigation accuracy decreases in areas with satellite signal obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple boundary wires as intermediary physical markers that create magnetic fields detectable by the robotic working tool's magnetic field sensor. Instead of relying solely on satellite signals that may be blocked by trees or buildings, the boundary wires serve as reliable intermediaries that the robotic tool can detect through its coil with magnetic core. This hybrid approach maintains the ease of physical installation (laying wires is straightforward) while ensuring accurate navigation even in areas where GPS signals are obstructed, as the magnetic field detection works independently of satellite visibility.
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
This solution enables robotic working tools to efficiently service larger areas by overcoming the capacitance limitations of single boundary wires, reducing costs and maintaining accurate navigation, even in areas with satellite signal obstructions.
Implementation Method 1
As the signal travels through the boundary wire 250 it will generate a magnetic field around the boundary wire 250, which the robotic working tool 100 may detect using a magnetic field sensor, such as a coil with a magnetic core.
Implementation Method 2
there is a drawback that the inventors have realized—to using a boundary wire in that the capacitance to the ground, i.e. between the boundary wire and the physical ground, increases with the length of the boundary wire 250 and puts a practical maximum length to the cable in the order of 800 meters.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic working tool comprising a sensor for detecting magnetic fields connected to a controller for controlling the operation of the robotic working tool. The controller is configured to operate according to a first control signal being transmitted through a first boundary wire and according to a second control signal being transmitted through a second boundary wire. The robotic working tool is thereby configured to operate within a composite work area comprising at least a first partial work area and a second partial work area. The first boundary wire delimits the first partial work area and the second boundary wire delimits the second partial work area. The at least first and second boundary wires provide a common perimeter for the composite work area. Analysing the magnetic fields detected by the sensor, the controller determines whether the robotic working tool is inside or outside the composite work area.