Robotic Work Tool Transit Paths to Prevent Trail Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Repetitive use of a defined travel path by robotic work tools leads to permanent trails, which are undesirable as they can destroy the area and make it difficult for the tools to navigate, especially when multiple tools use the same path.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool system that generates and uses different travel paths within a transit zone, defined by virtual boundaries, to avoid repetitive trail formation, allowing autonomous operation while avoiding obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a defined travel path is used repeatedly by robotic work tools, then autonomous operation and obstacle avoidance are improved, but permanent trails are formed that destroy the area and hinder navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates different travel paths for each transportation task between work areas. Instead of using a fixed, repeated path, the controller creates varied paths by selecting different sequences of transit zones, ensuring the path changes with each operation. This dynamic path selection prevents permanent trail formation while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the travel path by selecting different transit zones and path configurations from available options. The controller varies path parameters such as the sequence of transit zones, specific route geometry, and transportation timing, thereby avoiding repetitive use of the same path that would cause trail formation.
2Productivity
If multiple robotic work tools use the same defined travel path, then transportation efficiency is improved, but trail formation is accelerated and area integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transportation system is segmented into multiple transit zones that can be independently selected and combined. Each robotic work tool can be assigned to use different sequences of transit zones, allowing multiple tools to operate simultaneously without following identical paths. This segmentation enables efficient multi-tool operation while distributing wear across different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial path sharing among multiple robotic work tools rather than complete path duplication. Each tool uses a subset of available transit zones in different configurations, providing sufficient transportation capacity for multiple tools while avoiding the concentrated trail formation that would result from all tools using the exact same path.
3Reliability
If a fixed travel path is established for autonomous operation, then navigation reliability is improved, but the path becomes difficult to travel when trails form
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system transitions from static, fixed paths to dynamic, adaptive paths. The controller generates new travel paths based on current conditions and previous usage patterns, ensuring that even if trails begin to form, the system can adapt by selecting alternative paths. This maintains navigation reliability while avoiding travel difficulties associated with established trails.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic work tool system (200) for avoiding trails from a robotic work tool (100) in a transit zone (300) in which the robotic work tool (100) is allowed to travel from a start point (320) to a goal point (330) along a travel path (310). The system (200) comprises at least one memory (120,220) configured to store information about the transit zone (300), at least one robotic work tool (100) configured to travel along the travel path (310) and at least one controller (110,210) for controlling operation of the robotic work tool (100). The controller (110,210) is configured to receive, from the memory (120,220), information about the transit zone (300) and generate, based on the transit zone (300), the travel path (310) for the robotic work tool (100) from the start point (320) to the goal point (330). The generated travel path (310) is configured to differ from previously generated travel paths.