Base station, self-driving floor care device and cleaning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled floor care devices and their base stations are vulnerable to theft due to their high resale value and exclusivity, with limited effective measures for theft prevention in public areas.
Innovation Solution
A base station with a blocking function that activates a device lock when the connection to the power grid is disrupted, combined with authentication options and alarm systems to deter theft, and a locking interface for securing the floor care device, reducing the attractiveness and ease of resale of stolen units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the base station is made portable and valuable with high resale value, then its utility and exclusivity are improved, but it becomes more vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a locking function that proactively prevents theft before it occurs. The control system continuously monitors the plug connection status and automatically activates the device lock when disconnection is detected, creating a preventive barrier against theft rather than reacting after the fact. This anticipatory measure directly addresses the theft vulnerability while preserving the base station's portability and value.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking function is implemented to prevent theft, then security against theft is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function operates autonomously using the existing control system of the base station. The control system self-monitors the plug connection status through voltage detection and automatically activates the device lock without requiring external intervention or additional complex control mechanisms. This self-service approach provides effective theft protection while minimizing increases in device complexity by leveraging existing system capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the base station is permanently installed in a fixed location, then theft risk is reduced, but mobility and flexibility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic security system that adapts to the base station's operational state. The device lock is activated only when the plug is disconnected, allowing the base station to remain mobile and flexible during normal operation when connected. When unplugged, the system dynamically transitions to a locked state, providing theft protection without permanently restricting mobility. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between fixed installation and mobility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a base station (1) for a self-propelled floor cleaning device (10) for cleaning and maintaining floor surfaces (30), comprising a control unit (2), a plug (3) for connecting the base station (1) to a socket (31) for supplying the base station (1) with power from a public power grid, wherein the base station (1) has an energy storage device (4) for supplying the base station (1) with power, wherein the control unit (2) supplied with power via the energy storage device (4) has a locking function, which is configured to check the connection of the base station (1) via the plug (3) to the socket (31), wherein the locking function is further configured to activate a device lock of the base station (1).as soon as the inspection detects a connection interruption between the plug (3) and the socket (31), as well as a self-propelled floor care device (10) and a cleaning system with such a base station (1) and such a floor care device (10).