Autonomous surface treatment apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in optimizing manoeuvrability and cleaning performance, with navigation sensors often prioritizing one aspect over the other, leading to suboptimal cleaning efficiency and navigation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a chassis with a displaceable outer shell and forward bumper, equipped with multiple contact sensors to detect displacement, and a cleaning assembly with extendable suction nozzles and resilient blades for enhanced cleaning along edges, combined with a control system for navigation and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the apparatus prioritizes manoeuvrability with extensive navigation sensors, then navigation capability is improved, but cleaning performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides contact sensing into multiple specialized sensor groups: forwardmost contact sensors for front obstacles, first plurality of shell contact sensors for longitudinal shell displacement, and second plurality of shell contact sensors for lateral shell displacement. This segmentation allows each sensor type to optimize for its specific function while collectively enabling both manoeuvrability and cleaning performance
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell acts as an intermediary element between the chassis and the environment. It is displaceable in longitudinal and lateral directions relative to the chassis, allowing the shell to absorb and transmit contact forces to appropriate sensors without compromising either navigation or cleaning functions
2Productivity
If the apparatus prioritizes cleaning performance with extended cleaning assembly, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but manoeuvrability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is disposed at the front of the body and projects forward beyond the front surface of the outer shell, creating a dynamic profile that extends the cleaning path during movement while the displaceable shell and bumper system maintains manoeuvrability through controlled displacement mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If the forward bumper is made rigid for obstacle detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but damage from impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forward bumper is arranged to be displaceable relative to the cleaning assembly, providing a cushioning mechanism that absorbs impact energy before it reaches the cleaning assembly. This pre-cushioning protects vulnerable components while the forwardmost contact sensors behind the bumper maintain detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The forward bumper serves as an intermediary between the cleaning assembly and obstacles. It is arranged to be displaceable relative to the cleaning assembly, absorbing and transmitting impact forces in a controlled manner that protects the cleaning assembly while enabling obstacle detection through the contact sensors
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
This configuration enhances manoeuvrability and cleaning effectiveness by allowing the apparatus to navigate complex environments and clean under and along surfaces, improving dirt collection efficiency and obstacle avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
each forwardmost contact sensor being arranged to detect displacement of the forward bumper relative to the cleaning assembly, a first plurality of shell contact sensors disposed behind the outer shell, each of the first plurality of shell contact sensors being arranged to detect longitudinal displacement of the outer shell relative to the chassis
Implementation Method 2
a first biasing assembly arranged to apply a restoring force to the outer shell following a lateral displacement of the outer shell in order to return the outer shell to its initial lateral position with respect to the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous surface cleaning apparatus includes a body including a chassis and an outer shell mounted to the chassis, a drive system carried by the body, a cleaning assembly projecting forward beyond a front surface of the outer shell, the cleaning assembly having a generally planar front surface, and a forward bumper mounted to the front surface of the cleaning assembly. The apparatus further includes a plurality of forwardmost contact sensors disposed behind the forward bumper and arranged to detect displacement of the forward bumper relative to the cleaning assembly, a first plurality of shell contact sensors each being arranged to detect longitudinal displacement of the outer shell relative, and a second plurality of shell contact sensors each being arranged to detect lateral displacement of the outer shell relative to both the chassis and the cleaning assembly.