Automatic cleaner and controlling method of the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic cleaners face challenges in maintaining accurate orientation and path correction while cleaning, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to reliance on expensive hardware like LIDAR and imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
An automatic cleaner equipped with a distance sensor, control module, and traveling device uses regression analysis and gyro measurements to calculate and correct its orientation angle, employing a ranging laser IC for cost-effectiveness and efficient path correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive hardware like LIDAR or imaging systems is used for path correction, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive LIDAR or imaging systems with a simple distance sensor (ranging laser IC) that measures distance to walls. This cheap sensor continuously provides data for orientation correction without the high cost of sophisticated hardware, effectively using a low-cost component to achieve the function of expensive systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex optical/mechanical systems (LIDAR, imaging systems) with a simpler distance measurement approach using basic sensors and mathematical calculations. The orientation correction is achieved through software algorithms processing distance data rather than through complex hardware systems
2Device complexity
If conventional path planning algorithms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but accumulated orientation error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by measuring the distance to walls at multiple time points, calculating the actual orientation angle, comparing it with the expected angle, and correcting accumulated errors in real-time. This feedback mechanism maintains orientation accuracy without requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements by capturing distance data to walls at multiple time points before calculating the final orientation angle. This preliminary data collection enables accurate error correction while keeping the control system relatively simple
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables accurate path correction and efficient cleaning by continuously updating the map database and maintaining orientation parallel or perpendicular to walls, reducing costs and improving cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Another commercially available cleaning robot (Neato) is equipped with a light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) which measures distance to a target by illuminating that target with a pulsed laser light and then measuring the reflected pulses with a sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The control module has a gyro and is electrically connected to the distance sensor and the travelling device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An automatic cleaning robot is provided. The distance sensor is used to measure a plurality of pitches distances Y(t) between the automatic cleaner and a wall at a plurality of different time points t. And a control module is used to calculate a plurality of travel distances X(t) of the travelling device at the plurality of different time points t. According to the pitches distances Y(t) and the travel distances X(t), a deviation angle A between the travelling direction of the automatic cleaner and the extending direction of the wall is obtained.