ROBOTIC MOWER CONTACT DETECTION SYSTEM

• US 20160128275A1
• Filed: 11/12/2014
• Published: 05/12/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2014
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Deere & Company
• Original Assignee: Deere & Company
• Inventors: Johnson, David A.
• Application Number:
  US14/539,566
• Publication Number:
  US 20160128275A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A01D 34/008 for automated or remotely controlled operation
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0227 using mechanical sensing means, e.g. for sensing treated area

Abstract

A robotic mower contact detection system includes a flexible and deformable bumper, a force sensing element embedded in the bumper and providing electrical signals, and a vehicle control unit receiving the electrical signals from the force sensing element and reversing rotation of a pair of traction drive motors if the electrical signals meet specified criteria.

Claims

1. A robotic mower contact detection system, comprising:

a flexible and deformable bumper;

a force sensing element embedded in the bumper and providing electrical signals; and

a vehicle control unit receiving the electrical signals from the force sensing element and reversing rotation of a pair of traction drive motors if the electrical signals meet specified criteria.

2. The robotic mower contact detection system of claim 1 wherein the force sensing element is a force sensing resistor.

3. The robotic mower contact detection system of claim 1 further comprising shock absorbing structures in the flexible deformable bumper in front of and behind the force sensing element.

4. The robotic mower contact detection system of claim 1 wherein the flexible and deformable bumper is a U-shaped rubber member.

5. A robotic mower contact detection system, comprising:

a force sensing element positioned between shock absorbing structures in a bumper;

the force sensing element responsive to deformation of the bumper and the shock absorbing structures;

the force sensing element producing detectable electrical signals to a vehicle control unit;

the vehicle control unit reversing rotation of a pair of traction drive motors if the electrical signals meet a specified criteria.

6. The robotic mower contact detection system of claim 5 wherein the shock absorbing structures are in front of and behind the force sensing element.

7. The robotic mower contact detection system of claim 5 wherein the force sensing element is a force sensing resistor in the form of a strip.

8. The robotic mower contact detection system of claim 5, wherein the bumper is a rubber U-shaped member mechanically secured to the robotic mower.

9. A robotic mower contact detection system, comprising:

a rubber bumper attached to the front of a robotic mower;

a force sensing resistor in the form of a strip positioned inside the bumper between a front facing surface and a rear facing surface of the bumper, with shock absorbing structures in front of and behind the force sensing resistor; and

a vehicle control unit connected to the force sensing resistor and receiving electrical signals from the force sensing resistor based on the amount of a force applied to the force sensing resistor.

10. The robotic mower contact detection system of claim 9 wherein the vehicle control unit causes a pair of traction drive motors to reverse if the electrical signals meet certain criteria.

11. The robotic mower contact detection system of claim 9 wherein the vehicle control unit causes a blade motor to stop if the electrical signals meet certain criteria.