Zero-Turn Mower Conversion Kit for Universal Autonomous Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous mower systems are specifically configured for particular mower designs, such as 'zero-turn' mowers, and lack a universal control system to convert them into autonomous mowers, limiting their adaptability to different mower designs.
Innovation Solution
A conversion kit comprising a vehicle control unit with a navigation processor in communication with GPS devices, high torque servo motors, and a safety override switch, allowing for the conversion of any 'zero-turn' mower into an autonomous mower, with optional cellular and radio modules for remote control and obstacle avoidance, while maintaining manual operation functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a gear system is built into the autonomous mower for wheel control, then the autonomous control function is achieved, but the system becomes specific to a particular mower design and cannot be used on other mowers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control system that can interface with multiple types of mower steering mechanisms. The system uses universal mounting brackets and adaptable connection interfaces that can accommodate different mower models, allowing the same autonomous control unit to work across various mower designs rather than requiring model-specific implementations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the autonomous control system into separate modular components: a universal mounting bracket system, adaptable connection interfaces, and the core control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured for different mower types while maintaining overall system functionality and interchangeability
2Reliability
If the autonomous system is configured for a specific mower design, then the control mechanism is optimized for that mower, but it cannot be used with mowers of different designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing adjustable and reconfigurable connection elements that can adapt to different mower configurations. The mounting brackets and connection interfaces are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to be reliably configured for each specific mower type while maintaining the ability to reconfigure for different models
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conversion kit is designed to work on any zero-turn mower, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of ensuring compatibility across different designs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized mounting bracket system and connection interfaces that can accommodate various zero-turn mower models. This universal design approach allows a single conversion kit configuration to work across different mower types, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from needing multiple model-specific configurations
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous mower conversion kit and method for autonomously controlling a zero-turn mower. The conversion kit include a vehicle control unit containing a navigation processor in data communication with one or more global positioning (GPS) devices configured for inputting GPS coordinates to the navigation processor. The navigation processor is configured to send a signal to a pair of high torque servo motors attached to a housing of a mower. Each of the pair of high torque servo motors has a tie rod removably attached on a first end to one of the pair of high torque servo motors and on a distal end to a mower steering arm. A safety override switch is connected to the vehicle control unit and is configured for converting the mower to autonomous control.