Autonomous Floor Cleaner Interlock Mechanism for Secure Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous floor cleaners face challenges in secure and efficient docking with docking stations, particularly in ensuring proper interlocking mechanisms and module exchange processes, which can lead to user errors and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous floor cleaner system incorporates a lockable member and a lock mechanism that engages with the docking station, along with an interlock feature that physically secures the cleaner during docking and allows for module exchange, ensuring secure locking and unlocking based on predefined criteria, and a foldable docking station that moves the cleaner to a stowed position for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the cleaner during docking, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system automatically engages the lockable member with the lock mechanism without user intervention. The cleaner autonomously docks with the station, and the interlock feature automatically secures the cleaner during docking and module exchange operations, eliminating the need for manual locking while maintaining high security and reliability.
2Reliability
If an interlock feature is implemented to physically secure the cleaner, then operational safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional locking steps
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock feature operates autonomously based on predefined criteria. When the cleaner docks with the station or during module exchange, the system automatically engages and disengages the interlock mechanism without requiring user actions. This maintains operational safety while preserving ease of operation.
3Volume of moving object
If a foldable docking station is used to improve stowability, then space efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station incorporates a foldable portion that can dynamically change its configuration between a deployed docking position and a folded stowed position. This dynamic structure allows the station to adapt its footprint based on space requirements while maintaining all necessary docking and interlocking functions, achieving compact storage without permanently increasing device complexity.
4Productivity
If automatic interlocking based on predefined criteria is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines whether to engage the interlock feature based on predefined criteria such as cleaner docking status, module presence, and operational mode. This automatic decision-making process eliminates manual intervention, improves docking efficiency and productivity, and manages control system complexity through rule-based automation rather than complex algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous floor cleaning system includes an interlock for physically interlocking an autonomous floor cleaner with a docking station. The interlock selectively engages when the robot is docked at the docking station, and can automatically engage as when a predefined locking criterion is met. The interlock can remain engaged until a predefined unlocking criterion is met. Methods for docking an autonomous floor cleaner with a docking station are disclosed.