Removable Battery Module Layout for Longer Robotic Mower Runtime
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic lawn mowers have fixed batteries that cannot be easily removed or replaced by users, limiting their runtime and requiring users to recharge them, which restricts their operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A robotic lawn mower with a scalable power system that includes multiple removable and rechargeable battery modules, allowing users to add or remove modules to vary the total energy capacity and extend the operational duration without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the battery is fixed to the chassis, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot easily remove or replace the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a fixed battery assembly and a removable battery module. The fixed battery assembly remains attached to the chassis for structural stability, while the removable battery module can be easily detached and reattached by users to extend runtime or replace depleted batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery configuration transitions from a static fixed battery to a dynamic system where a removable battery module can be added or removed based on operational needs. This allows the system to adapt between a compact configuration and an extended runtime configuration.
2Device complexity
If the battery has fixed runtime, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates because the mower cannot handle different lawn sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The removable battery module serves multiple functions: it can be used to extend runtime when attached to the mower, removed for recharging separately, or attached to other outdoor power equipment. This universal component allows the system to adapt to various operational requirements and equipment types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its power capacity by adding or removing the battery module based on lawn size and operational requirements, transforming a fixed-runtime system into an adaptable one without complicating the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If the battery is fixed and requires tools for removal, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because users cannot easily replace the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into a permanent fixed battery assembly that maintains reliable electrical connections to the chassis, and a separate removable battery module that users can easily swap without tools. The segmentation allows the critical connection points to remain fixed while the user interface becomes tool-free.
Solution Approach 2:
A receptacle structure acts as an intermediary between the fixed battery assembly and the removable battery module. This receptacle provides stable, tool-free engagement and disengagement mechanisms that maintain reliable electrical connections during normal operation while enabling easy user replacement when needed.
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 scalable power system allows users to manage the energy capacity according to their needs, extending the operational duration of the robotic lawn mower and providing flexibility in handling different lawn sizes, while also enabling the use of battery modules with other outdoor power equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The power system includes multiple removable rechargeable battery modules
Implementation Method 2
each receptacle configured to receive one of the battery modules... an electric motor electrically coupled to the receptacle to receive electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An outdoor power equipment system includes a removable rechargeable battery module, a robotic lawn mower, and a portable power equipment. The robotic lawn mower includes a receptacle configured to receive the battery module, and an electric motor electrically coupled to the receptacle to receive electricity to drive at least one of a wheel and a cutting implement. The portable power equipment includes a receptacle configured to receive the battery module, and at least one of an electric motor, a light source, and an amplification circuit coupled to the receptacle to receive electricity.