Autonomous cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous cleaning devices often get stuck or collide with furniture due to their protruding laser ranging modules, which lack effective detection of translation movements, limiting their detection range.
Innovation Solution
The device features a movable cover with a switch configuration that allows for downward and backward movement, utilizing at least two switches with a horizontal circumferential trigger range of 180 degrees or more, enabling detection of horizontal movements and collisions from various angles, and includes elastic members to cushion collisions and restore the cover's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the laser ranging module protrudes from the top of the autonomous cleaning device to sense the surrounding environment, then the sensing capability is improved, but the device easily gets stuck or collides with furniture bottoms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a movable cover that can translate downward and backward before collision occurs. The cover acts as a protective element that absorbs impact forces from furniture bottoms and other obstacles, preventing direct collision damage to the laser ranging module and other internal components while maintaining the module's protruding sensing capability
2Reliability
If a protective shell with rotatable laser ranging module is used, then the module is protected, but the translation movement of the protective shell cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating switches (such as micro switches or Hall sensors) that detect the translation position of the movable cover. When the cover translates downward or backward due to collision or obstacle detection, the switches sense this movement and provide feedback signals to the control system, enabling the device to respond appropriately to external forces
3Measurement precision
If the cover is made movable to detect downward and backward movement, then the detection range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible connection mechanisms between the cover and the device body, such as elastic members, springs, or flexible hinges. These flexible elements allow the cover to translate smoothly in response to external forces while maintaining a simple structural design that does not significantly increase device complexity
4Measurement precision
If at least two first switches with horizontal circumferential trigger range greater than or equal to 180 degrees are provided, then the horizontal movement detection range is improved, but the switch configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by strategically positioning at least two first switches with horizontal circumferential trigger ranges that collectively cover 180 degrees or more. This configuration allows a single switch system to detect horizontal movements from multiple directions (front, side, and angled approaches), providing comprehensive collision detection without requiring switches in every possible direction
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 detection range and sensitivity of the autonomous cleaning device, allowing it to detect collisions from multiple directions and reduce damage to both the device and furniture during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a horizontal elastic member arranged between the cover and the casing and configured to restore a horizontal displacement of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous cleaning device, including: a casing, a cover, and a switch. The cover is arranged on the casing and protrudes from a top of the casing. The cover and the casing are connected in a manner enabling the cover to be movable downwards and backwards; and the cover has an acting portion. A trigger position of the switch is located at a moving path of the acting portion, and the cover is configured to trigger the switch by the acting portion during movement of the cover. The switch comprises at least two first switches, configured to be triggered in a horizontal direction. A horizontal circumferential trigger range formed by all the at least two first switches is greater than or equal to 180 degrees.