Robot Gardening Tool Jamming Detection via Boundary Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Robot gardening tools often become jammed in non-ideal work areas, requiring human intervention to disengage, which prolongs work completion time and is undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A robot gardening tool system with a boundary module, boundary detection, jamming detection, and control apparatus that autonomously detects jamming based on feedback signal patterns and performs extrication operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If robot gardening tool operates autonomously in non-ideal work areas, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework completion efficiencyVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robot gardening tool autonomously detects jamming conditions through the boundary detection apparatus monitoring feedback signals, and automatically performs extrication operations without human intervention. The control apparatus executes extrication maneuvers when jamming is detected, enabling the system to service itself and maintain operational continuity in difficult terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The boundary detection apparatus provides continuous feedback signals to the jamming detection apparatus, which analyzes the time intervals between consecutive signals. When abnormal patterns are detected indicating jamming, the system uses this feedback information to trigger automatic extrication operations, creating a closed-loop control system that improves reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If human intervention is used to disengage jammed robot, then reliability is restored, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidwork completion time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robot gardening tool autonomously detects jamming conditions through the boundary detection apparatus monitoring feedback signals, and automatically performs extrication operations without human intervention. The control apparatus executes extrication maneuvers when jamming is detected, enabling the system to service itself and maintain operational continuity in difficult terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The jamming detection apparatus acts as an intermediary between the boundary detection apparatus and the control apparatus. It analyzes feedback signal patterns and automatically triggers extrication operations when jamming is detected, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing time loss while restoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If autonomous extrication operation is implemented, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework completion timeVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The boundary detection apparatus serves multiple functions: it detects boundary elements for navigation and simultaneously provides feedback signals for jamming detection. The control apparatus handles both normal navigation control and extrication operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while enabling autonomous extrication.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4159019B1Robot gardening tool system and method for robot gardening tool
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP
  • EP4159019B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4159019B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP4159019B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention provides a robot gardening tool system and a method for a robot gardening tool. The robot gardening tool system comprises a robot gardening tool (300, 400) and a boundary module (360). The boundary module delimits a work area (402) and/or a non-work area (403) of the robot gardening tool, and the boundary module comprises at least one boundary element (42, 42a, 42b). The robot gardening tool comprises a boundary detection apparatus (310), a jamming detection apparatus (320) and a control apparatus (340). The boundary detection apparatus detects the at least one boundary element; the jamming detection apparatus judges whether the robot gardening tool is jammed based on a feedback signal Si of the boundary detection apparatus; and the control apparatus controls the robot gardening tool to perform an extrication operation when the robot gardening tool is jammed. This allows effective detection of jamming and effective operations on work areas where jamming is likely.