Removable Battery Modules for Scalable Robotic Lawn Mower Runtime

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic lawn mowers have a fixed battery runtime, requiring users to disassemble the device to replace batteries, which is inconvenient and limits operational duration, and do not allow for scalable power capacity to accommodate varying lawn sizes.

Innovation Solution

A robotic lawn mower with a scalable power system featuring removable and rechargeable battery modules that can be easily added or removed, allowing users to customize the energy capacity and extend operational duration, and compatible with other outdoor power equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 must use tools to disassemble the device to remove the battery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of battery removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into a removable battery module that can be separated from the chassis. The battery module includes battery cells, a circuit board, and a housing that collectively form a self-contained unit which can be easily removed and reinstalled without tools, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the battery is fixed to the chassis, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the robotic lawn mower has a fixed runtime and cannot accommodate varying lawn sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to varying lawn sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power system transitions from a fixed battery configuration to a dynamic, scalable configuration. Users can adjust the number of battery modules based on lawn size requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different operational conditions while maintaining reliable power delivery through standardized electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The battery module design creates a universal power unit that can be used across different robotic lawn mower models and configurations. The standardized interface and modular architecture allow the same battery module to serve multiple functions and be interchangeable between devices, enhancing overall system versatility.

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

3Quantity of substance

If multiple battery modules are connected in parallel, then the energy capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into identical, standardized modules that can be easily added or removed. Each module contains its own battery cells and circuit board, creating self-contained units that simplify the overall system architecture. This segmentation allows users to scale energy capacity by simply adding modules rather than designing complex custom configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple battery modules are merged through parallel electrical connections to increase total energy capacity. The standardized interfaces and integrated circuit boards automatically manage the parallel configuration, reducing the perceived complexity for users while achieving the desired increase in energy storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3547817B1Robotic lawn mower including removable rechargeable battery module
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 BRIGGS & STRATTON CORP
  • EP3547817B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3547817B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3547817B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A robotic lawn mower includes a first wheel driven by a first electric wheel motor, a second wheel driven by a second electric wheel motor, a cutting implement driven by an electric cutting implement motor, a power system for powering the electric wheel motors and the electric cutting implement motor, and a controller configured to control operation of the electric wheel motors and the electric cutting implement motor to autonomously mow a yard. The power system includes multiple removable rechargeable battery modules and multiple receptacles, each receptacle configured to receive one of the battery modules.