Removable Battery Module Design for Longer Robotic Lawn Mower Runtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic lawn mowers have a fixed battery runtime, requiring users to manually disassemble and recharge the battery, limiting their operational flexibility and autonomy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a scalable power system featuring removable and rechargeable battery modules, which can be easily swapped in and out of the robotic lawn mower without tools, allowing users to adjust the total energy capacity based on their needs.
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 must use tools to disassemble the mower to remove the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a modular design where the battery pack is a separate, removable unit from the chassis. The battery compartment is designed as a distinct module that can be independently accessed and removed without disassembling other parts of the mower, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of battery removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is extracted from the fixed chassis structure and placed in a removable compartment design. Users can access and remove the battery pack by simply opening the battery compartment cover or releasing latches, without needing tools to disassemble the entire mower structure, thus maintaining structural integrity while enabling easy battery removal.
2Reliability
If the battery is fixed to the chassis, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the runtime cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Users can modify the battery setup by removing the existing battery pack and inserting one or more replacement packs depending on their runtime needs, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining reliable electrical connections through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery compartment is designed with universal compatibility to accept different battery pack configurations. The standardized receptacle can accommodate single or multiple battery packs, allowing the same mower to function with varying runtime capacities based on user needs, thus achieving both reliability through consistent electrical connections and adaptability through flexible battery configurations.
3Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery modules are used, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into identical, interchangeable battery modules rather than a single complex battery unit. Each module is a standardized, self-contained unit with uniform electrical connectors and mounting interfaces. This segmentation allows users to extend operational duration by adding more modules while keeping individual module complexity low and manageable through repetition of simple, identical units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical battery modules are merged in parallel or series configurations within the battery compartment to achieve extended operational duration. The standardized interfaces and modular design allow these modules to be combined systematically without proportionally increasing system complexity, as each module follows the same design pattern and connection protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
Outdoor power equipment includes a battery pack, a receptacle configured to receive the battery pack, a wheel motor, a chore motor, a gyroscopic sensor configured to detect an orientation of the outdoor power equipment, a location sensor configured to detect a location of the outdoor power equipment, and a controller in communication with the wheel motor, the chore motor, the gyroscopic sensor, and the location sensor. The controller is configured to provide additional power from the battery pack to the wheel motor based on (a) detection of a deviation by the outdoor power equipment from a desired path to maintain the outdoor power equipment on the desired path based on the location of the outdoor power equipment as determined by the location sensor, or (b) detection of the orientation exceeding a predetermined threshold value.