Robotic lawnmower system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic lawnmowers face challenges in navigating diverse terrains and maintaining a low profile while effectively using sensors, as existing designs often compromise between versatility and height, leading to issues with sensor cooling and protection from debris.
Innovation Solution
A robotic lawnmower system with a sensor module positioned outside the chassis, connected via a chassis interface, which maintains a low profile, enhances cooling through air exposure, and protects against dirt and debris, while also improving weight distribution for better traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor module is positioned inside the chassis, then it is protected from debris, but the vertical height of the robotic lawnmower increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is extracted from the interior of the chassis and positioned in the space between the chassis and the outer shell. This extraction allows the sensor to be protected from debris by the chassis structure while avoiding an increase in the overall vertical height of the robotic lawnmower, as the sensor utilizes the existing gap space rather than adding to the external dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the sensor module is positioned inside the chassis, then it is compact, but cooling of the sensor is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is positioned in a specific location between the chassis and the outer shell where it has access to ambient air flow for cooling. The local environment in this gap provides natural convection cooling pathways, allowing the sensor to dissipate heat effectively while maintaining a compact overall arrangement within the lawnmower structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor modules are added to increase versatility, then functionality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal connection interface is designed for the sensor modules, allowing the same interface structure to accommodate different types of sensors (e.g., downward-detecting, forward-detecting, or both). This standardized interface simplifies the mechanical and electrical connections, reducing device complexity while enabling the system to support multiple sensor functionalities and increasing versatility.
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 achieves improved navigation capabilities, enhanced sensor reliability, and efficient cooling, allowing the robotic lawnmower to efficiently traverse various terrains and maintain a low profile without increasing vertical height, thus improving overall performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the position of the vital parts of the sensor module, i.e. the sensor itself, enables exposing the main part of the sensor module housing's outer face to a free flow of ambient air, which improves cooling of the sensor module
Implementation Method 2
the sensor module will be protected by the skirt against build-up of dirt, which further improves cooling
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A robotic lawnmower (14) comprises a chassis (18), and an outer shell (20) defining an exterior face of the robotic lawnmower (14), the outer shell (20) comprising a skirt enclosing the chassis (18) at a distance therefrom. A sensor module (30; 34) comprises a chassis connection interface for mechanically connecting the sensor module (30; 34) to a module connection interface on the chassis (18). The sensor module (30; 34) holds the sensor outside a vertical projection of the chassis (18), between the chassis (18) and the skirt. The module connection interface is located on a top face of the chassis (18), and the sensor module housing extends downwards to a position vertically lower than the module connection interface. A cantilever member holds a main housing body of the sensor module (30; 34) with a horizontal gap between the main housing body and the chassis (18).