Robotic Mower Virtual Boundary Control Without Perimeter Wires
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic mowers are limited by the need for boundary wires to define operating areas, which is time-consuming and inaccurate, and lack the ability to adjust service areas dynamically, making it difficult to ensure precise and flexible lawn care.
Innovation Solution
A robotic vehicle equipped with a sensor network, positioning module, and boundary management module that allows it to detect boundaries without wires and adjust operating areas based on operator instructions, enabling flexible and precise lawn care by defining variable boundaries through cloud-based management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a boundary wire is used to define the operating area of a robotic mower, then the operating area can be defined, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the boundary wire from the system entirely, replacing it with a wireless boundary definition method using GPS coordinates and virtual boundaries. This extraction eliminates the time-consuming physical installation of wires while maintaining reliable boundary definition through digital mapping and satellite positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical boundary wire system with an electronic/digital boundary definition system. Instead of physically laying wires to define boundaries, the system uses GPS coordinates, satellite positioning, and software-based virtual boundaries stored in memory, substituting mechanical installation with electronic configuration.
2Reliability
If a boundary wire is used to define the operating area, then the area is fixed, but it cannot be adjusted dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic boundary adjustment by storing multiple boundary sets in memory, each representing different operating areas. The system can switch between these pre-defined boundary sets and adjust boundaries in real-time based on user input or operational requirements, transforming the static wire-based boundary into a dynamic, reconfigurable virtual boundary system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the boundary definition from fixed physical wire coordinates to flexible digital coordinates that can be modified. The system allows operators to adjust boundary parameters (coordinates, area size, shape) through user input, and the boundary management module processes these changes to update the operating area without physical reinstallation.
3Extent of automation
If positioning equipment is used to determine vehicle position, then autonomous operation is enabled, but accuracy limitations prevent precise area definition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary boundary definition by storing multiple boundary sets with precise coordinates in memory before operation. The boundary management module uses these pre-defined boundaries to guide the robotic mower, allowing the system to operate autonomously within accurately defined areas without requiring real-time high-precision positioning for boundary detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the boundary information in the form of stored coordinate sets and virtual boundary representations. Instead of relying solely on real-time positioning accuracy, the system uses these digital copies of boundary definitions to maintain precise area control, effectively copying the boundary geometry into a format that can be processed and enforced by the control system.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic vehicle may include one or more functional components configured to execute lawn care function, a sensor network comprising one or more sensors configured to detect conditions proximate to the robotic vehicle, a positioning module configured to determine robotic vehicle position while the robotic vehicle traverses a parcel, and a boundary management module configured to enable the robotic vehicle to be operated within a bounded area. The bounded area may include a variable boundary, and the boundary management module may be configured to receive instructions from an operator to adjust the variable boundary.