Autonomous coverage robot sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual and industrial floor cleaning methods are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly in large areas, as they require frequent rinsing of cleaning solutions and handling of heavy equipment, leading to contamination and reduced cleaning effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous surface treatment robot with a weight distribution system that includes a chassis with forward and rear ends, differential drive wheels, a vacuum assembly, and a liquid supply system, allowing for efficient cleaning and waste collection in tight spaces with minimal operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used with cleaning fluid and sponge/mop, then cleaning effectiveness is improved through chemical interaction with contaminants, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous cleaning robot performs cleaning operations independently without human intervention. It autonomously navigates, applies cleaning fluid, agitates the surface, absorbs waste liquid, and returns to its base for recharging and fluid replenishment, thereby eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated robotic system that integrates navigation, fluid dispensing, scrubbing, and waste absorption functions. The robot uses automated differential drive mechanisms, sensors for obstacle detection, and coordinated actuation of cleaning components to substitute human labor
2Area of stationary object
If industrial wet cleaning robots are used for large area cleaning, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device weight and complexity increase requiring operator attendance
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into modular functional units: navigation module with sensors, fluid dispensing system, scrubbing mechanism, waste absorption system, and base station for recharging. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity while enabling autonomous operation over large areas
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs dynamic differential drive wheel mechanisms that enable autonomous navigation and adaptive movement across various floor surfaces. The dynamic control system adjusts wheel speeds and directions based on sensor feedback, allowing the robot to autonomously cover large areas without operator intervention
3Duration of action of moving object
If cleaning fluid is repeatedly used and rinsed, then cleaning process continues for larger areas, but cleaning fluid effectiveness deteriorates due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The robot extracts and removes waste liquid from the cleaning area using its absorption system, separating it from the cleaning fluid. By continuously removing contaminated liquid and replacing it with fresh cleaning fluid from the base station, the system maintains cleaning fluid effectiveness throughout extended cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards contaminated cleaning fluid and recovers fresh cleaning fluid from the base station reservoir. The waste absorption system captures and contains used fluid, while the base station replenishes the robot with fresh cleaning fluid, enabling sustained effective cleaning over large areas
4Force
If heavy industrial cleaning devices are used, then cleaning power is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates requiring operator attendance for safety and navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously performs all cleaning operations including navigation, surface agitation, fluid application, and waste removal without operator intervention. Safety sensors detect obstacles and cliffs, and the robot automatically adjusts its path and operations, eliminating the need for operator attendance while maintaining effective cleaning power
Solution Approach 2:
The robot incorporates sensors that provide continuous feedback about its environment, including obstacle detection, surface type identification, and cleaning progress monitoring. This feedback enables autonomous decision-making and adaptive operation, allowing the robot to maintain effective cleaning power while operating independently without operator supervision
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 robot effectively navigates and cleans surfaces with a constant weight distribution, maintaining cleaning solution effectiveness by suctioning waste and redistributing cleaning liquid, reducing labor and equipment handling challenges while maintaining cleaning efficiency in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The suction region is configured to suction waste from the cleaning surface through the collection region
Implementation Method 2
An optical receiver is carried by the body substantially below the top region and substantially forward of the transverse axis defined by the right and left differentially driven wheels
Implementation Method 3
The signal channeler is internally reflective to direct the optical signal toward the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous coverage robot detection system includes an emitter configured to emit a directed beam, a detector configured to detect the directed beam and a controller configured to direct the robot in response to a signal detected by the detector. In some examples, the detection system detects a stasis condition of the robot. In some examples, the detection system detects a wall and can follow the wall in response to the detected signal.