Cleaning base station, control method thereof and cleaning system

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Solution Overview

Problem

The precise alignment of cleaning robots with existing infrared modules is complex and demanding, requiring sophisticated control algorithms, which increases design difficulty and costs.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning base station with a guiding member that protrudes from the chamber sidewall and has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional size, capable of extending into a guiding groove on the cleaning robot, combined with an infrared module for preliminary alignment, reduces the complexity of the control algorithm and ensures accurate alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only an infrared module is used for alignment, then the alignment function is simple in structure, but the control algorithm becomes complex and demanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment structureVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guiding member as an intermediary mechanical structure that physically guides the cleaning robot into the correct position. This mechanical intermediary works together with the infrared module to provide both structural guidance and optical alignment, reducing the burden on the control algorithm while maintaining high alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment function is segmented into two independent parts: a mechanical guidance component (guiding member with guiding groove) that provides coarse positioning, and an optical detection component (infrared module) that provides fine alignment. This segmentation allows each component to focus on its specific task, simplifying the overall control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment is achieved through sophisticated control algorithms, then alignment accuracy is improved, but design difficulty and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoiddesign difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces part of the complex software control system with a simple mechanical guidance structure. The guiding member with its gradually decreasing cross-sectional size provides passive mechanical guidance that naturally directs the robot to the correct position, reducing reliance on complex control algorithms and lowering design difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding member performs preliminary alignment action before the infrared module takes over for fine positioning. By pre-positioning the robot within a certain range through mechanical guidance, the subsequent optical alignment becomes easier and more reliable, improving overall manufacturing precision while simplifying the control requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the guiding member has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional size, then the robot is captured within a preset range improving accuracy, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidguiding member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding member employs a curved, arc-shaped structure with gradually decreasing cross-sectional size, creating a funnel-like geometry. This curved design naturally guides the robot along an arc path into the charging position, providing self-aligning functionality through its geometric shape rather than requiring complex mechanical adjustments or active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This solution simplifies the alignment process, improves accuracy, and reduces design costs by allowing the guiding member and guiding groove to capture the cleaning robot within a preset range, confirming precise alignment from multiple perspectives.

Implementation Method 1

the infrared module is arranged on the chamber sidewall and configured to align the cleaning robot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the first electrode is configured to contact a second electrode of the cleaning robot and charge the cleaning robot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240138645A1Cleaning base station, control method thereof and cleaning system

Publication Date: 2024.05.02 SHENZHEN SILVER STAR INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A cleaning base station includes a base, a first electrode, an infrared module, and a guiding member. The base includes an open chamber accommodating a cleaning robot, and the open chamber includes a chamber sidewall extending in an arc shape. The first electrode is arranged on the chamber sidewall and contacts a second electrode of the cleaning robot. The infrared module is arranged on the chamber sidewall and aligns the cleaning robot. The guiding member is arranged on the chamber sidewall and protrudes from the chamber sidewall, the guiding member is capable of extending into a guiding groove defined on the cleaning robot, the guiding member includes a guiding part, the guiding part is positioned on one end of the guiding member far away from the chamber sidewall, and a cross-sectional size of the guiding part gradually decreases along a direction away from the chamber sidewall.