Automated Enclosure Locking for Robotic Lawnmower Charging Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic lawnmowers require frequent charging due to limited electrical output, necessitating a secure and automated charging station that protects against vandalism and theft, while avoiding the need for expensive control electronics and precise charging time calculations.
Innovation Solution
A housing system with a closing element and a device that secures the closed position using a triggering unit activated by the robotic lawnmower, which includes a safety mechanism that can be triggered mechanically or via communication technology, allowing for cost-effective and automated securing without external energy supply, and includes features like physical contact activation and photovoltaic units for energy independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging station with closing element is provided for robotic lawnmower, then the robotic lawnmower can be protected against vandalism and theft, but the system requires expensive control electronics and precise charging time calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic lawnmower autonomously determines when charging is needed and activates the triggering unit itself, eliminating the need for external control electronics to monitor charging schedules. The system serves itself by using its own navigation and decision-making capabilities to trigger the securing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simpler mechanical triggering mechanism. The triggering unit can be activated by the physical presence or movement of the robotic lawnmower, substituting mechanical action for electronic control and reducing system complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If frequent charging processes are implemented due to limited electrical output, then the energy storage device can maintain adequate charge levels, but the charging station requires constant access which reduces security
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element dynamically transitions between open and closed states based on the real-time presence and needs of the robotic lawnmower. The system adapts its security state rather than maintaining a fixed state, allowing frequent charging access when needed while providing security when the lawnmower is absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering unit is pre-positioned and ready to activate the closing element as soon as the robotic lawnmower arrives at the charging station. This preliminary preparation ensures immediate securing action without requiring complex real-time decision electronics.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If automated securing is implemented without external power supply, then the system becomes more cost-effective and energy-independent, but the safety mechanism requires alternative activation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering unit utilizes the robotic lawnmower's own operational characteristics (its movement, presence, or emitted signals) to activate the securing mechanism, eliminating dependence on external power supplies or complex wired connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The triggering unit is designed to work with multiple types of robotic lawnmowers regardless of their specific activation methods, whether through physical contact, magnetic fields, radio frequency identification, or other signaling mechanisms, making the system universally applicable.
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 secure, automated, and cost-effective operation of robotic lawnmower systems by adapting charging times to the energy storage state, reducing the risk of vandalism and theft, and eliminating the need for expensive control electronics and external power connections.
Implementation Method 1
The triggering unit can be activated by means of the robotic lawnmower
Implementation Method 2
at least one safety mechanism that can be triggered by means of the triggering unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (8) for securing a closed position of a locking element (2) of an enclosure (1) comprising at least one charging station (3) and forming a garage for a robotic lawnmower (19), wherein the locking element (2) closes an opening of the enclosure (1) in the closed position and at least partially releases the opening in an open position. To enable automated and cost-effective securing of the closed position of the locking element (2), the invention proposes that the device (8) comprise at least one triggering unit (9) that can be activated by the robotic lawnmower (19) and at least one locking mechanism (10) that can be triggered by the triggering unit (9), which, in a locking state securing the closed position, engages the locking element (2) on one side and another component of the enclosure (1) on the other, and which releases the locking element (2) in a release state.