Robotic Work Tool Autonomous Return for Malfunction Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic work tools do not effectively address malfunctions that do not prevent movement, leading to unnecessary battery drain and user burden in retrieving the tool, as they continue operating and may get stuck, and existing solutions fail to detect or remedy non-stuck-related malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A robotic work tool with a control unit that issues navigational instructions for autonomous return to a service point upon malfunction detection, disabling only the faulty feature, raising the cutting disk to minimize resistance, and transmitting positional information for remote tracking and remediation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robotic work tool continues operating after a non-critical malfunction, then productivity is maintained, but battery charge is depleted unnecessarily and the tool may become stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously detects malfunctions, determines their criticality, and initiates return navigation without user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically managing the malfunction response workflow, including disabling affected features and navigating to the service point.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary assessment of malfunction criticality before initiating return navigation. By evaluating whether the malfunction prevents further movement or requires immediate attention, the system prepares appropriate responses in advance, avoiding unnecessary battery depletion from continued operation.
2Reliability
If the robotic work tool stops immediately upon malfunction, then safety is ensured, but battery charge is depleted and user retrieval burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies different response strategies based on the local nature of each malfunction. Non-critical malfunctions allow continued operation with disabled features, while critical malfunctions trigger immediate stop and return navigation. This localized quality assessment optimizes both safety and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters dynamically based on malfunction type. For non-critical malfunctions, the system modifies feature availability parameters while maintaining movement capability. For critical malfunctions, it changes the navigation state parameter to initiate return to service point.
3Speed
If the robotic work tool attempts to overcome malfunction by alternating turns, then movement capability is maintained, but battery charge is depleted and malfunction may persist
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the response strategy based on the specific malfunction detected. Instead of applying a fixed alternating-turn maneuver, the system adapts its behavior to the nature of the malfunction, choosing between continued operation with feature disablement or immediate return navigation based on real-time conditions.
4Productivity
If the cutting disk is lowered during return trip, then cutting function is ready for immediate resumption, but power consumption increases and battery charge depletes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary assessment of the malfunction cause during the return trip. If the blockage is likely due to a removable object rather than a mechanical failure, the system prepares for potential immediate resumption by keeping the cutting disk lowered, balancing readiness with energy conservation based on the specific malfunction context.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic work tool (1) comprises a control unit, which is configured for receipt of malfunction signals and for issuing navigational instructions to driving motors of the work tool (1). The control unit is further configured for the issuance of navigational instructions for the return of the work tool (1) to a service point on receipt of a malfunction signal. A method of running a robotic work tool (1), comprises the steps of: an iterative issue of navigational instructions from the control unit to driving motors of the work tool (1) and receipt of occasional malfunction signals from one or more units of the work tool (1). Navigational instructions for return to a service point (3) are issued, when a malfunction signal is received. A system comprises a robotic work tool (1), a remote device, and a dedicated app stored in the remote device.