Autonomous mobile cleaner and control method thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autonomous mobile cleaners rely on ultrasonic waves for navigation, which can be blocked by obstacles or reflected by surrounding objects, leading to malfunctions and difficulties in moving the main body without user intervention, and may damage the air pipe due to excessive tension.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous mobile cleaner with a main body, suction unit, air pipe, driving wheels, wheel sensors, and a controller that controls the movement based on wheel rotation, allowing the main body to follow the suction unit without ultrasonic waves, using wheel sensors to sense and adjust the driving wheels' rotation to avoid obstacles and maintain a predetermined distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ultrasonic waves are used for autonomous navigation, then the cleaner can move autonomously, but the ultrasonic signals may be blocked by obstacles or reflected by surrounding objects causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic wave-based navigation system with a mechanical sensor system that detects wheel rotation. The wheel sensors directly measure the rotation of driving wheels, providing reliable feedback about the cleaner's movement without being affected by obstacles or reflections. This mechanical measurement approach substitutes the problematic acoustic field-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wheel sensors as an intermediary element between the driving wheels and the controller. These sensors act as a mediator that translates physical wheel rotation into electrical signals for the controller, enabling autonomous navigation through a reliable intermediate measurement mechanism rather than direct ultrasonic sensing.
2Ease of operation
If the main body is moved by user force, then the cleaner can be repositioned, but excessive force may damage the air pipe connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the cleaner to move itself autonomously through self-propelled driving wheels controlled by the controller based on wheel sensor feedback. This self-service capability eliminates the need for users to manually reposition the cleaner, thereby preventing damage to the air pipe connector from excessive user force while maintaining repositioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pushing/pulling operation with an automated electromechanical driving system. The driving wheels, powered by the power source and controlled by the controller, substitute for user-applied mechanical force, enabling safe and controlled repositioning without risking damage to connectors.
3Ease of operation
If the main body is pulled by the air pipe to move, then the cleaner can be repositioned, but the air pipe may be damaged due to excessive tension
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous driving capability allows the cleaner to reposition itself without requiring the air pipe to bear movement loads. The driving wheels provide self-propulsion, eliminating the need to pull or push the cleaner through the air pipe, thereby preventing excessive tension and potential damage to the air pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the air pipe-based manual repositioning mechanism with an electromechanical driving wheel system. The driving wheels, controlled by the controller, substitute for air pipe tension-based movement, enabling safe repositioning that does not subject the air pipe to damaging forces.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the driving wheel rotation is not controlled, then the main body can move freely, but the cleaner cannot maintain a predetermined distance from the suction unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where wheel sensors continuously measure the rotation of driving wheels and provide this information to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to calculate the cleaner's position and adjust the driving wheel rotation to maintain the predetermined distance from the suction unit, achieving both movement freedom and precise distance control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the driving wheels, where the controller continuously adjusts the rotation speed and direction of the wheels based on real-time wheel sensor feedback. This dynamic adjustment enables the cleaner to maintain the predetermined distance while freely navigating the space, adapting to changing conditions as needed.
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
Prevents ultrasonic signal blockages and malfunctions, minimizes user force and shock, and reduces air pipe damage by using wheel sensors to autonomously navigate and maintain a safe distance, ensuring smooth operation in complex indoor spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a wheel sensor configured to sense rotation of the driving wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an autonomous mobile cleaner including a main body, a suction unit having a handle and configured to suck up surrounding foreign material, an air pipe configured to connect the main body and the suction unit and guide the foreign material into the main body, at least one driving wheel installed below the main body, a driving unit configured to drive the driving wheel by operating a driving motor, a wheel sensor configured to sense rotation of the driving wheel, and a controller configured to control the movement of the main body through the driving unit on the basis of the rotation of the driving wheel sensed by the wheel sensor.