Wireless Error Detection and Reset for Robotic Work Tools

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robotic work tools require user proximity for control and error detection, leading to potential safety risks and inefficiencies, as users must physically visit the tool to address errors and restart it.

Innovation Solution

A robotic work tool system equipped with a wireless communication interface and a controller that allows remote operation, error detection, and reset signaling, enabling mobile application control to disable and re-enable the tool's functions safely and efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user must physically visit the robotic work tool to detect and reset errors, then the user can perform visual inspection of the tool, but the user convenience deteriorates and time is lost due to the need to travel to the tool location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection reliabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication interface serves as an intermediary between the robotic work tool and the user's mobile device. The controller transmits error signals and reset signals wirelessly, allowing the user to monitor and control the tool remotely without physical presence. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable error detection while eliminating the need for user travel to the tool location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical inspection and manual resetting with an electronic/wireless communication system. Error detection and reset operations are transmitted electronically via wireless communication between the tool's controller and the user's mobile device, substituting the mechanical action of physically visiting the tool with electronic signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the user must physically visit the robotic work tool to reset errors, then the user can ensure proper error handling, but the time required to restore operation increases due to travel and manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror handling safetyVSAvoidtime to restore operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication interface acts as a mediator that enables rapid transmission of error and reset signals between the robotic work tool and the user's mobile device. This eliminates the time-consuming travel to the tool location while maintaining the safety of proper error handling, as the user can still review error information and confirm reset actions remotely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables preliminary error detection and notification to be transmitted wirelessly to the user's mobile device before the user needs to take action. The user receives error alerts remotely and can prepare appropriate reset commands, reducing the overall time to restore operation while maintaining safety through proper error handling procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If wired control interface is used for the robotic work tool, then the user can control the tool, but the user must always be close to the tool which reduces operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wired mechanical control interface with a wireless communication system. The controller transmits control signals, error signals, and reset signals wirelessly to and from the user's mobile device, eliminating the physical cable connection. This substitution provides both control capability and operational flexibility, allowing the user to interact with the tool from any location within wireless range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system transitions from a static wired connection to a dynamic wireless communication system. The wireless interface allows the user to move freely around the work area while maintaining control capability, adapting the control distance and position dynamically based on wireless signal availability rather than being constrained by cable length or physical connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11016481B2Error detection and resetting of a robotic work tool

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 HUSQVARNA AB

AI summary

A method of controlling a mobile communication device comprising a wireless communication interface and a display is disclosed. The method comprising: executing a mobile application for controlling a robotic work tool; receiving an error signal through said wireless communication interface from said robotic work tool; displaying an error status on the display; disabling functions relating to an operating state; receiving a reset signal through said wireless communication interface from said robotic work tool; and in response thereto enabling the functions relating to an operating state.