Robotic Tool Guide Wire for Multi-Zone Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic working tool systems, such as robotic lawnmowers, face challenges in defining multiple work zones without requiring multiple boundary wires or supplemental navigation aids, especially in areas with limited satellite reception or narrow corridors.
Innovation Solution
A robotic working tool system that uses a guide wire laid in a specific manner to create multiple work zones by partially following the boundary wire, allowing the robotic tool to differentiate between zones using distinct guide control signals and navigate efficiently without additional wires or costly navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple boundary wires are used to define different work zones, then the ability to define multiple work zones is improved, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a boundary wire for the outer work area and simultaneously defines inner work zones through specific routing patterns. This multi-functionality allows a single wire to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate boundary wires, reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to define multiple distinct work zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire is routed to create nested work zones where inner zones are defined by the wire looping back on itself. The wire forms an outer boundary and then creates inner boundaries by looping through corridors and returning, effectively nesting multiple work zones within a single continuous wire path. This nesting approach allows multiple zones to be defined without requiring multiple separate wires.
2Adaptability or versatility
If guide wires are added to enable navigation through narrow corridors, then the ability to access restricted areas is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide wire functionality is merged with the boundary wire functionality. The same continuous wire that defines the outer boundary of the work area is routed to also serve as a guide wire for navigating through narrow corridors. By combining these two functions into a single wire system, the patent eliminates the need for separate guide wires while maintaining the ability to access restricted areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire serves dual purposes: it acts as a boundary marker for the overall work area and simultaneously provides navigation guidance through narrow corridors and doorways. This multi-functional design allows the system to access restricted areas without requiring additional dedicated guide wires, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If supplemental navigation systems like GPS are used, then navigation capability is improved, but the cost and reliability in areas with limited satellite reception worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic working tool uses its own magnetic field sensor to detect the magnetic field generated by the guide wire, enabling self-navigation without external supplemental systems. The tool's built-in sensor detects the magnetic field signal from the wire and uses this information to navigate through corridors and maintain proper orientation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating reliance on external GPS or satellite systems that may be unreliable in certain environments.
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 the formation of multiple work zones with minimal modifications to existing robotic tools, allowing for effective navigation and operation within defined areas without the need for multiple wires or expensive navigation aids, ensuring reliable operation even in areas with limited satellite reception.
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
Implementation Method 2
a guide control signal 246 may be transmitted through the guide cable 260, where the guide control cable 246 is different from the control signal 245
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A robotic work tool (100) comprising a controller (110) and at least one magnetic sensor (170) arranged to sense a magnetic boundary signal emitted by a boundary wire, and a first magnetic guide signal emitted by a first guide wire (261), wherein the controller (110) is configured to: detect an at least partial crossing of the first guide wire (261) from a first work zone to a second work zone, determine an operating status and if the operating status indicates that a crossing is allowed, allow the robotic work tool to cross the first guide wire (261) to the second work zone, and if not, control the operation of the robotic work tool so that the first guide wire (261) is not crossed.