Autonomous vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vacuum cleaners face challenges in effective distance sensing and navigation, particularly due to the obstruction of brushrolls by traditional sensor placements, which limits cleaning coverage and visibility of the brushroll, and require improved bumper systems for obstacle detection and navigation around complex environments.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous vacuum cleaner features a unique configuration with distance sensors mounted above the brushroll, allowing better cleaning coverage and visibility, and a dual-action bumper assembly with pivot and sliding capabilities for enhanced obstacle detection and navigation, along with a drive system that adjusts to various floor types and a navigation system for guided cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distance sensors are mounted in traditional positions on autonomous vacuum cleaners, then obstacle detection is provided, but brushroll visibility is obstructed and cleaning coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover is designed with a staggered configuration where sensors are positioned at different depths relative to the front of the housing. This dimensional staggering allows sensors to detect obstacles at multiple distance ranges simultaneously, improving measurement precision while the stepped design prevents brushroll obstruction and maintains cleaning coverage.
2Reliability
If traditional sensor covers are used, then sensors are protected, but brushroll visibility is blocked and navigation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor cover is segmented into multiple stepped sections, each housing sensors at different positions. This segmentation allows the cover to simultaneously protect sensors while creating visibility gaps that enable brushroll observation and improve navigation adaptability across various floor types and obstacle scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sensor cover have different transparency and positioning characteristics. The staggered design creates localized viewing zones that allow brushroll visibility in specific areas while maintaining sensor protection, enabling the system to adapt to different cleaning environments.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned to maximize obstacle detection, then detection range is improved, but brushroll visibility and cleaning effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning sensors at staggered depths rather than a single plane, the system achieves extended detection range across multiple distance zones. This dimensional arrangement ensures that at least some sensors maintain unobstructed views for both obstacle detection and brushroll visibility, preserving cleaning efficiency while improving overall detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vacuum cleaner includes an autonomously moveable housing carrying a vacuum collection system for generating a working air flow for removing dirt from the surface to be cleaned and storing the dirt in a collection space. Distance sensors for position sensing are mounted to the housing, behind a sensor cover. The distance sensors can be staggered and/or positioned above a brush chamber for a brushroll.