Autonomous Floor Polishing Vehicle Navigation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual floor preparation and maintenance processes are labor-intensive and physically demanding, leading to inefficiencies and increased labor costs due to repetitive motion and operator fatigue.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous floor preparation system comprising a concrete polishing vehicle with a drive propulsion system, navigation system, and user interface, utilizing wheel encoders, laser rangefinders, and sensors to map the workspace, plan precise coverage patterns, and control the polishing process, reducing manual labor and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used to control floor preparation machines, then operational flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and operator fatigue increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabor intensityVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The floor preparation machine is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including laser rangefinders, wheel encoders, and processors that enable it to automatically map workspaces, plan paths, and execute polishing operations without continuous human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously navigating to target locations, adjusting its path based on obstacle detection, and completing polishing tasks according to pre-planned coverage patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system comprising processors, sensors (laser rangefinders, encoders), and navigation algorithms. The mechanical system is augmented with electronic and software components that substitute human operators' decision-making and physical control functions with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated navigation systems are implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolishing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated navigation system performs multiple functions using integrated components: laser rangefinders map the workspace and detect obstacles, wheel encoders track position and speed, processors generate navigation paths and control commands, and the system executes both mapping and polishing operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a unified platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary that receives data from sensors (laser rangefinders, encoders), processes this information to generate navigation paths and control commands, and outputs instructions to the drive system and polishing mechanisms. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by centralizing decision-making logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If precise coverage patterns are achieved through automation, then polishing time is reduced, but measurement and navigation precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolishing timeVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors its actual position using wheel encoders and laser rangefinders, compares this with the planned path, and makes real-time adjustments to maintain precise coverage patterns. This feedback loop ensures that the machine stays on course despite variations in speed, terrain, or mechanical imperfections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical measurement systems (laser rangefinders) and electronic sensors (encoders) to achieve high positioning accuracy, replacing less precise mechanical measurement methods. These systems provide continuous, high-resolution data on position and orientation, enabling precise navigation and coverage pattern execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system significantly reduces labor costs and operator fatigue by automating the movement and control of floor preparation machines, achieving precise coverage patterns and reducing polishing time by up to 22 hours in large-scale retail spaces.

Implementation Method 1

The navigation system uses data from the wheel encoders and a high-accuracy laser rangefinder to measure the vehicle's position, heading, and speed.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

The actuators cause rotation of the wheels and the encoders accurately record the true rotation of each wheel to determine the position of the vehicle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder:

Data Source

PatentUS10603795B2Autonomous navigational system for floor preparation and maintenance equipment

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 XIAOYU ABRASIVE INC

AI summary

According to embodiments of the present disclosure is an automatic floor preparation or maintenance system. The system uses a laser rangefinder to map a workspace, while a path planning module uses the map to determine a path for the concrete polishing vehicle to travel. A propulsion system moves the vehicle along the determined path. A user interface allows an operator to remotely monitor the autonomous operations.