Obstacle detection for a robotic lawnmower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic work tools face challenges in efficiently detecting and navigating around temporary and above-ground obstacles, as traditional methods like boundary wires and collision detection are cumbersome, prone to wear and tear, and unsuitable for virtual obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool system equipped with a beacon marker and sensor that uses radio frequency or ultrasonic signals to mark obstacles, allowing the tool to determine proximity and adapt its operation, reducing wear and tear and simplifying the marking of temporary or virtual obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If collision detection is used to detect obstacles, then the robotic work tool can identify physical obstacles, but the wear and tear of the robotic work tool increases due to numerous collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical collision detection with optical or electromagnetic sensing systems. The robotic work tool uses sensors (such as optical sensors, LIDAR, or cameras) to detect obstacles at a distance, allowing the tool to navigate around obstacles without physical contact, thereby eliminating wear and tear from collisions while maintaining reliable obstacle detection capability.
2Reliability
If boundary wires are dug down to mark obstacles, then permanent structures can be marked, but the effort required is cumbersome especially for temporary markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of digging and installing boundary wires with electronic or optical marking systems. Obstacles are marked using visual markers, RFID tags, or electronic coordinates that can be detected by the robotic work tool's sensors, eliminating the need for physical installation while providing reliable obstacle identification for both permanent and temporary structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary marking of obstacles before the robotic work begins. Coordinates of obstacles can be pre-programmed into the system, or markers can be placed in advance, allowing the robotic work tool to navigate around them without requiring real-time detection or physical modification during operation.
3Reliability
If barcodes are used as obstacle markers, then obstacles can be marked with visual detection, but the placement is limited and the system is sensitive to debris blocking the reader
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical barcode reading with alternative detection methods such as RFID (radio frequency identification), ultrasonic sensing, or electromagnetic field detection. These systems can detect obstacles through debris and are not line-of-sight dependent, providing reliable detection while allowing flexible placement of markers in various environments without being blocked by waste or debris.
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
The system effectively marks obstacles with minimal user effort, reduces wear and tear on the robotic tool, and is not sensitive to debris, enabling efficient navigation around temporary and above-ground obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
A robotic work tool system equipped with a beacon marker and sensor that uses radio frequency or ultrasonic signals to mark obstacles
Implementation Method 2
A robotic work tool system equipped with a beacon marker and sensor that uses radio frequency or ultrasonic signals to mark obstacles
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic work tool system (200) comprising a robotic work tool (100) and a beacon marker (280), said robotic work tool (100) comprising a beacon sensor (175) configured to sense a signal being transmitted by the beacon marker (280), said beacon marker (280) marking an area (270) around an obstacle (260) in a work area (205) in which said robotic work tool (100) is arranged to operate, wherein said robotic work tool is configured to determine a proximity to a beacon marker (280) and to adapt its operation accordingly.