Automated gate for robotic mowers
AssigneeSmartDots LLC
InventorAshutosh Jaiswal
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An automated gate for robotic mowers may include at least one door that may be sized to receive a robotic mower, and it can be installed in any fence to enable the mower to move between the yards on its own. The at least one door of an automated gate may provide optional capability to lock when not used by the mower and unlock automatically when the mower gets close. By default, the at least one door may remain unlocked, yet closed, thereby providing a cost-effective solution for customers who do not have to worry about pets. An add-on module may be provided that may add a locking mechanism and triggering mechanism, thereby providing end users with the ability to lock the automated gate completely.
Claims11
A method of controlling an automated gate for a robotic mower, the method comprising:
- receiving a signal from a triggering matrix, the triggering matrix comprising:
- a plurality of magnet sensors on either side of the automated gate;
- a magnet attached to a front underside of the robotic mower;
- a processor attached to the frame;
- and
- a length of wire connecting the plurality of magnetic sensors to the processor;
- and
- a locking mechanism attached to the frame, the locking mechanism comprising:
- a horizontal beam;
- a linear actuator attached to the horizontal beam, the linear actuator operable to move the horizontal beam;
- a support bar;
- at least two elbows, wherein one end of each of the at least two elbows is pivotably attached to opposite ends of the support bar, the at least two elbows in contact with the horizontal beam;
- a door stop attached to at least one door;
- and
- at least two clasps, wherein the at least two clasps are pivotably attached to opposite ends of the support bar, the at least two clasps having a cut-out on an upper side and a cut-out on a bottom side, the cut-out on the upper side operable to accept the at least two elbows and the cut-out on the bottom side operable to accept the door stop;
- sending the received signal to the linear actuator to unlock the at least one door of the automated gate;
- setting a timer for a specified period of time;
- sending a query if the at least one door is closed after the specified period of time has elapsed;
- receiving a response confirming that the at least one door is closed;
- and
- sending a signal to the linear actuator to lock the at least one door.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.