Docking station for autonomous floor cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous floor cleaners face challenges in navigating and aligning with docking stations for recharging and bin emptying, often requiring manual intervention and experiencing operational limitations such as difficulty in navigation and effective cleaning around the docking area.
Innovation Solution
A docking station system with multiple transmitters emitting encoded beams for detection by the robot, combined with spring-loaded charging contacts and optical switches, allows for automatic docking and charging, along with methods for navigation around obstacles and re-docking after lost contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated docking processes using IR beams are used, then the floor cleaner can autonomously return to the docking station, but the system exhibits difficulty in navigating to and properly aligning with the docking station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with an optical guidance system. The docking station emits IR beams that create visible or detectable alignment markers, allowing the robot to optically determine its position and orientation relative to the docking station without complex mechanical sensors or manual alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces IR beams as an intermediary between the docking station and the robot. These beams serve as a communication and guidance medium that carries alignment information from the stationary docking station to the moving robot, enabling precise docking without direct mechanical or electronic coupling during the alignment process.
2Device complexity
If the docking station uses fixed charging contacts, then the structure is simple, but the robot cannot reliably make contact during autonomous docking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static charging contacts into dynamic, movable contacts that can adapt their position. The spring-loaded mechanism allows the contacts to move autonomously in response to forces applied during docking, enabling reliable electrical connection even when the robot's position varies slightly during autonomous approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded charging contacts perform self-alignment and self-contact during the docking process. When the robot approaches the docking station, the spring mechanism automatically activates, pushing the contacts into position and establishing electrical connection without requiring precise pre-alignment or complex control systems.
3Productivity
If the robot cleans around the docking station, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the robot experiences difficulty navigating around the docking station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides preliminary alignment information through IR beams before the robot begins its cleaning operation near the docking station. This pre-established optical reference system allows the robot to plan and execute navigation paths around the docking station more easily, as it already has spatial awareness of the docking area from the alignment process.
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
Enables reliable and automatic docking and charging of autonomous floor cleaners, improving convenience and efficiency by eliminating the need for manual intervention and enhancing navigation and cleaning capabilities around the docking station.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitter that can transmit at least one signal or encoded beam for detection by the robot
Implementation Method 2
The charging contacts are biased by springs to a neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station for charging an autonomous floor cleaner includes a transmitter that can transmit a signal for detection by the robot. The docking station can include an opaque shroud for the transmitter and/or spring-loaded charging contacts. The autonomous floor cleaner can comprise a passive receiver that detects signals emitted from the docking station and a time-of-flight sensor for position/proximity sensing. The robot can selectively turn off the time-of-flight sensor when docking with or avoiding the docking station. Methods for docking, re-docking, low power charging, docking station avoidance, obstacle response during docking, and close-proximity docking are disclosed.