Robot for transporting self-propelled cleaning robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trolleys for transporting self-propelled cleaning robots require manual intervention for deployment and retrieval, limiting their suitability for autonomous cleaning operations, especially in large areas divided into smaller sub-areas.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with a drive device, sensor device, storage device, and movement device that allows for autonomous navigation and operation, enabling the automatic pickup and delivery of self-propelled cleaning robots, along with a navigation device for mapping and planning, and a communication system for data exchange with the cleaning robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a trolley is used to transport self-propelled cleaning robots, then the robots can be stored and transported, but manual intervention is required for deployment and retrieval which limits autonomous operation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The transport robot is equipped with a movement device that enables it to automatically pick up cleaning robots from the floor and place them into the storage unit, and vice versa. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual deployment and retrieval, allowing the system to operate autonomously while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the robot transports multiple cleaning robots simultaneously, then cleaning productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to multiple storage units and coordination systems
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is divided into multiple storage compartments, each capable of holding a cleaning robot. This segmentation allows the transport robot to carry multiple cleaning robots simultaneously, increasing productivity. The modular structure manages complexity by organizing multiple robots in separate, standardized compartments with individual receiving elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport robot is designed with universal functionality to transport different types of cleaning robots (vacuuming robots and mopping robots) simultaneously. The storage unit and movement device are configured to handle various robot types through standardized receiving elements and fixing mechanisms, enabling multi-functionality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If the robot autonomously navigates and coordinates multiple cleaning robots, then cleaning efficiency optimizes, but the sensor and communication system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport robot is equipped with sensor units that detect the environment, other robots, and spatial boundaries. These sensors provide feedback to the control device, which processes the information to autonomously navigate and coordinate cleaning operations. The feedback mechanism enables efficient autonomous operation by allowing the robot to adapt to real-time conditions without requiring overly complex centralized control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a robot for transporting self-driving cleaning robots with a drive unit for autonomous movement over a floor surface, wherein the robot has a sensor unit for detecting its environment, wherein the robot has a storage unit for self-driving cleaning robots, and wherein the robot has a movement unit for moving self-driving cleaning robots.