Robotic Lawn Tool Boundary Control Using Grass and Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of robotic work tools, such as robotic lawnmowers, in operational areas with irregular boundaries is cumbersome due to the difficulty in accurately defining these boundaries, necessitating a simplified method for boundary definition and operation within these areas.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool system equipped with a grass sensor, controller, and optional satellite navigation and visual navigation sensors, which determines its position relative to a rudimentary boundary, adjusting its operation by changing direction when exceeding the boundary or detecting a grass edge, allowing it to operate within a defined area with a maximum and minimum distance tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accurate boundary definition is used for irregular operational areas, then operational precision is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses satellite navigation sensors to obtain geographic information and create a digital map copy of the operational area. This digital representation allows the robotic work tool to understand and navigate irregular boundaries without requiring complex physical installation of boundary markers throughout the area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical boundary definition systems (physical markers, wires, or manual mapping) with satellite-based navigation and visual navigation sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for complex physical installation while maintaining accurate boundary definition through GPS coordinates and image recognition.
2Measurement precision
If complex boundary marking systems are installed, then boundary accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic work tool performs self-positioning and boundary recognition using onboard satellite navigation sensors and visual navigation sensors. The system automatically creates and updates its own operational map without requiring external boundary markers or manual intervention, making the system easy to deploy while maintaining high boundary accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite navigation sensor and visual navigation sensor serve multiple functions: they provide positioning, boundary detection, navigation guidance, and operational area mapping. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate boundary marking systems while maintaining accurate boundary definition.
3Device complexity
If traditional navigation without grass detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operational reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges satellite navigation positioning with grass sensor detection to create a comprehensive navigation system. The grass sensor provides real-time feedback on surface conditions, allowing the robotic work tool to distinguish between operational grass areas and non-operational surfaces, significantly improving operational reliability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The grass sensor continuously provides feedback to the controller about the surface conditions beneath the robotic work tool. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust its operation in real-time, ensuring it remains on grass-covered areas and improving operational reliability through active monitoring and response.
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 efficient and safe operation of robotic work tools within operational areas by simplifying boundary definition and navigation, ensuring they stay within designated grass-covered regions while avoiding obstacles and irregular terrain.
Implementation Method 1
the robotic work tool comprising a grass sensor and a controller is configured to receive sensor input from the grass sensors, determine a position of the robotic work tool, determine that the robotic work tool is on grass
Implementation Method 2
the robotic work tool further comprises a satellite navigation sensor and wherein the robotic work tool is configured to determine the position based on the satellite navigation sensor
Implementation Method 3
the robotic work tool further comprises a visual navigation sensor and wherein the robotic work tool is configured to determine the position based on the visual navigation sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic work tool system comprising a robotic work tool arranged to operate in an operational area at least partially covered with grass, wherein the operational area is bounded by a rudimentary boundary, and the robotic work tool comprising a grass sensor and a controller is configured to receive sensor input from the grass sensors, determine a position of the robotic work tool, determine that the robotic work tool is on grass, and then determine that the position is outside a maximum distance of the rudimentary boundary and then change direction of operation or determine that the position is inside the maximum distance of the rudimentary boundary and then keep operating.