Robotic Garden Tool Docking via Wireless Signal Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic garden tools face challenges in efficiently navigating back to a docking station for charging, often taking longer routes and wasting energy due to lack of complex navigational capabilities, and existing solutions with complex components and programming are not practical for consumer use.
Innovation Solution
A robotic garden tool equipped with a sensor to receive a wireless signal from a docking station, using an electronic processor to determine signal strength and adjust movement patterns, such as changing direction when signal strength decreases, to efficiently navigate towards the docking station without complex mapping algorithms or position tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mapping algorithms and position tracking are used for navigation, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic navigation systems (mapping algorithms, position tracking) with a simpler wireless signal-based guidance system. The robotic garden tool uses a sensor to detect wireless signals transmitted by the docking station, determining direction and distance based on signal strength variations, thereby achieving navigation without complex components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless signal transmission to create a virtual guidance field that copies the functionality of complex navigation systems. Instead of physically implementing mapping and position tracking hardware, the system creates a signal-based representation of spatial information that guides the tool back to the docking station
2Productivity
If complex navigational capabilities are implemented, then docking efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex navigational hardware and software with a simple wireless signal transmission system. The docking station emits wireless signals that the robotic tool detects, enabling efficient docking through basic signal strength measurement rather than complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the robotic garden tool to autonomously navigate back to the docking station using simple signal detection and basic movement adjustments, without requiring complex manufactured components or external assistance
3Ease of operation
If the robotic garden tool moves in straight lines only, then movement simplicity is maintained, but navigation efficiency deteriorates when signal strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic movement control where the robotic tool adjusts its motion based on real-time wireless signal strength measurements. When signal strength decreases, the system dynamically changes from straight-line movement to turning and repositioning, optimizing navigation efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring wireless signal strength and adjusting movement accordingly. The sensor detects signal variations, and the control system responds by modifying the tool's trajectory, creating a simple yet effective closed-loop navigation approach
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
Enables more efficient and precise control of the robotic garden tool to return to the docking station, reducing energy consumption and avoiding complex components, thus improving navigation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to receive a wireless signal from a docking station
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A robotic garden tool may include a sensor configured to receive a wireless signal from a docking station. The robotic garden tool may also include an electronic processor configured to control the robotic garden tool to move toward the docking station by controlling the robotic garden tool to move in a first approximately straight line, and repeatedly determining a strength of the wireless signal. In response to determining that the strength of the wireless signal has begun decreasing as the robotic garden tool continues to move in the first approximately straight line, the electronic processor may control the robotic garden tool to stop moving in the first approximately straight line and turn to move in a predetermined manner to move in a second approximately straight line such that the robotic garden tool continues to move toward the docking station.