System and method for an autonomous cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous cleaning devices face inefficiencies in reaching and cleaning areas with corners angled less than 90 degrees, as existing solutions are less effective in these scenarios due to the positioning of doors and other obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous cleaning apparatus method that involves scanning the vicinity with sensors to detect unreachable areas, identifying doors, and automatically moving door wings using electromagnets, suction elements, or retractable hooks to access and clean these areas by positioning the door to a 90-degree angle, allowing for effective cleaning of previously inaccessible spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the autonomous cleaning apparatus uses standard corner detection and cleaning methods, then it can effectively clean areas with 90-degree corners, but it cannot reach and clean areas with corners angled less than 90 degrees due to door positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The door wing is made movable by the autonomous cleaning apparatus. The system dynamically adjusts the door position from its initial position to a target position that creates a 90-degree corner, enabling the cleaner to access areas that would otherwise be unreachable. This transforms a static obstacle (door) into a dynamic element that adapts to the cleaning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The door wing acts as an intermediary element between the autonomous cleaning apparatus and the unreachable area. By moving the door wing to a specific position, the system creates an intermediate state that allows the cleaner to access the target area, effectively using the door itself as a mediator to solve the accessibility problem.
2Productivity
If the autonomous cleaning apparatus moves the door wing to access unreachable areas, then it can clean previously inaccessible corners, but it requires additional time to move the door and return it to its initial position
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection to identify unreachable areas and determines the optimal door position before executing the cleaning task. By planning the door movement in advance and only moving it when necessary, the system minimizes unnecessary time loss while maximizing surface coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The door wing is temporarily moved from its initial position (discarded from original state) to enable cleaning, and then returned to its initial position (recovered) after cleaning is complete. This temporary displacement allows the system to gain access to unreachable areas while maintaining the door's original state for future operations.
3Device complexity
If the autonomous cleaning apparatus uses simple obstacle detection, then the system remains simple, but it cannot identify doors as special objects requiring specific handling
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system applies different processing rules to different objects based on their local characteristics. When a door is detected (identified by specific features like tags or geometric properties), the system applies specialized handling logic. This allows the system to remain relatively simple overall while having enhanced capabilities for specific object types where needed.
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 method significantly enhances the cleaning efficiency of autonomous devices by enabling them to reach and clean areas with corners less than 90 degrees, improving surface coverage and ensuring thorough cleaning of previously inaccessible regions.
Implementation Method 1
The door wing position changing means is an electromagnet or a suction element or a neodymium magnet or a retractable hook.
Implementation Method 2
The door wing position changing means is an electromagnet or a suction element or a neodymium magnet or a retractable hook.
Implementation Method 3
The door wing position changing means is an electromagnet or a suction element or a neodymium magnet or a retractable hook.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for an autonomous cleaning apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: scanning a vicinity of an autonomous cleaning apparatus by means of at least one sensor; detecting an unreachable area, being unreachable by the autonomous cleaning apparatus; detecting a door in proximity to the unreachable area; detecting that the unreachable area is unreachable due to the positioning of the door wing; automatically moving the door wing, by the autonomous cleaning apparatus, in order to obtain access to and clean the unreachable area.