Robotic Lawn Mower Mode Switching for Boundary Edge Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing green area processing systems, such as robotic lawn mowers, lack the ability to efficiently switch between autonomous and manual modes for comprehensive area processing, particularly in handling boundary edges and areas inaccessible in autonomous mode.

Innovation Solution

A green area processing system with an autonomous mobile robot, a detachable cutting tool, and an operating mode switching device that allows for automatic switching between autonomous and cutting modes, enabling the robot to operate with a cutting tool for edge processing and user-controlled operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the robot operates in autonomous mode with processing tool only, then autonomous operation is enabled, but edge cutting capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidedge cutting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the cutting functions into two distinct tools: a processing tool for autonomous mowing and a cutting tool for edge cutting. These tools can be operated independently or together, allowing the robot to switch between autonomous mode (processing tool only) and cutting mode (both tools attached and operational), thus resolving the contradiction between autonomous operation and edge cutting capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robot is designed with universal tool compatibility, allowing it to attach and operate with different tool configurations. The robot can function with just the processing tool for autonomous mowing, just the cutting tool for edge cutting, or both tools simultaneously for comprehensive area processing, providing multi-functionality that resolves the capability loss in autonomous mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting tool is attached for edge cutting, then edge processing capability is improved, but autonomous operation is lost requiring manual control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge processing capabilityVSAvoidautonomous operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic mode switching between autonomous and manual operation based on tool attachment status. When the cutting tool is attached, the system can automatically transition to cutting mode with appropriate control strategies, allowing edge processing capability to be improved while maintaining operational automation through mode-dependent control algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If both processing tool and cutting tool are used simultaneously, then comprehensive area processing is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive area processingVSAvoidtool attachment system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the processing tool and cutting tool into a single integrated tool attachment system that can accommodate both tools simultaneously. This unified attachment mechanism allows comprehensive area processing with both tools while managing device complexity through a consolidated design rather than separate attachment systems for each tool

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3412128B1Green areas processing system and method for the detection of at least one section of a limiting edge of a surface to be processed
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO KG
  • EP3412128B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3412128B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a green space management system and a method for capturing at least one section of a boundary edge of an area to be managed by means of such a green space management system.