Method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices operate independently of the degree of soiling in spatially limited areas, failing to adapt cleaning operations based on the actual dirt levels within these areas.
Innovation Solution
A detection device measures the degree of soiling, comparing it to a reference level, and automatically expands the cleaning area by adding defined additional sections if soiling exceeds the reference, allowing for adaptive cleaning based on contamination levels, with options for varying expansion sensitivity and pattern adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning device operates in a fixed predefined area, then the cleaning path is predictable and easy to control, but the cleaning area cannot adapt to varying degrees of soiling
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning area is transformed from a static predefined boundary to a dynamic adaptive region that automatically expands or contracts based on real-time soiling detection. The control device adjusts the cleaning area boundaries dynamically by comparing detected soiling levels against reference values, allowing the system to adapt to varying contamination conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the detection device continuously monitors soiling levels within the cleaning area, and this information is fed back to the control device. The control device then adjusts the cleaning area boundaries based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts the cleaning coverage to actual soiling conditions.
2Reliability
If the cleaning device covers a larger area to ensure thorough cleaning, then cleaning completeness improves, but cleaning efficiency decreases due to repetitive coverage of already clean areas
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system applies local quality by differentiating cleaning actions across different spatial zones based on their soiling levels. Areas with high soiling receive extended cleaning coverage through automatic area expansion, while already clean areas maintain their original boundaries. This localized adaptation ensures thorough cleaning where needed while avoiding unnecessary coverage of clean zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameters of the cleaning area dynamically based on soiling detection results. When soiling exceeds reference thresholds, the cleaning area parameter (boundary coordinates) is automatically expanded in specific directions. This parameter adjustment ensures complete cleaning of contaminated areas while maintaining efficiency by limiting expansion only to necessary regions.
3Productivity
If the cleaning device uses a fixed cleaning pattern, then the control logic is simple, but the cleaning performance cannot be optimized based on actual soiling distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary soiling detection and assessment before executing the cleaning operation. The detection device scans the cleaning area and identifies regions with soiling levels exceeding reference thresholds, allowing the control device to pre-calculate optimized cleaning paths and area expansions before the actual cleaning begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic incorporates real-time feedback from soiling detection during cleaning operations. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the cleaning pattern and area boundaries, optimizing cleaning performance by concentrating resources on heavily soiled areas while reducing coverage in cleaner zones.
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 approach ensures more efficient cleaning by dynamically adjusting the cleaning area based on soiling levels, optimizing cleaning performance and reducing repetitive coverage, while allowing user feedback for learning and improvement.
Implementation Method 1
The degree of soiling is determined, for example, with a dust sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device (1) within an environment, wherein the cleaning device (1) performs cleaning of a defined, spatially limited area (2) of the environment. To optimize the cleaning operation based on measured soiling, it is proposed that a detection device (3) of the cleaning device (1) measures the degree of soiling of the area (2) during cleaning, comparing the degree of soiling with a defined reference soiling level, and automatically enlarging the area (2) by adding a defined additional area (4) adjacent to the area (2) if a degree of soiling above the reference soiling level is detected within the area (2).