Autonomous surface treatment apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous surface cleaning apparatuses face challenges in optimizing both manoeuvrability and cleaning performance, with suboptimal sensor configurations affecting navigation and obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous surface cleaning apparatus features a unique arrangement of forward and side proximity sensors, cliff sensors, and rigid-flex circuit boards, with sensors angled inwardly and laterally to enhance obstacle detection and navigation, improving manoeuvrability and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaning assembly projects forward beyond the front surface of the body, then cleaning performance is improved, but manoeuvrability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning sensors at specific locations (front corners) of the cleaning assembly rather than uniformly across the body. The forward proximity sensors are disposed at the front surface of the cleaning assembly adjacent to front corners, creating localized detection zones that improve obstacle detection for the protruding cleaning assembly without requiring sensors throughout the entire body structure.
2Measurement precision
If forward proximity sensors are angled inwardly towards the longitudinal axis, then obstacle detection precision is improved, but the field of view coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by configuring the forward proximity sensors to angle inwardly towards the longitudinal axis of the apparatus rather than perpendicular to the front surface. This asymmetric angular arrangement creates overlapping detection fields that focus precision on the central cleaning path while still providing adequate coverage for navigation decisions.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are disposed at front corners of the cleaning assembly, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensor system into distinct forward proximity sensors positioned at front corners of the cleaning assembly, separate from side proximity sensors and cliff sensors. Each sensor type handles specific detection tasks, with forward sensors focused on obstacles in the cleaning path, simplifying the control logic for each sensor group while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
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 the apparatus's ability to navigate effectively and detect obstacles, improving cleaning performance and manoeuvrability by ensuring sensitive hazard detection and efficient path management.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and second forward proximity sensor are provided by a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous surface cleaning apparatus includes a body, a drive system carried by the body and configured to move the autonomous surface cleaning apparatus across a surface, a cleaning assembly disposed at a front of the body and projecting forward beyond a front surface of the body, the cleaning assembly having a generally planar front surface and first and second side surfaces that extend rearward from opposite ends of the front surface. The apparatus further includes a first forward proximity sensor disposed at the front surface of the cleaning assembly adjacent to a first front corner of the cleaning assembly and a second forward proximity sensor disposed at the front surface of the cleaning assembly adjacent to a second front corner of the cleaning assembly. The first and second forward proximity sensors are angled inwardly towards a longitudinal axis of the cleaning assembly.