Method for operating a self-propelled cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices struggle to efficiently manage cleaning operations for surfaces with low soiling levels, particularly after a prolonged user absence, as they lack adaptive mechanisms to adjust cleaning frequency and intensity based on changing soiling conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method where the cleaning device determines a total degree of soiling by comparing it with a reference level from a previous cleaning activity, adjusting cleaning parameters such as frequency and intensity, and allowing for delayed or reduced cleaning operations when soiling is low, using a detection device and control system to ensure optimal cleaning across the entire surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning devices perform intensive cleaning for each detected soiled area, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and operational time increase unnecessarily for low-soiling conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device dynamically adjusts its cleaning parameters (intensity, frequency, duration) based on the detected soiling level. When low soiling is detected, the device reduces cleaning intensity and extends the time between cleaning cycles, rather than maintaining constant intensive cleaning. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching cleaning effort to actual need.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (cleaning intensity, frequency, time intervals) based on detected soiling conditions. Instead of using fixed cleaning parameters, the device modifies these parameters according to the measured soiling level, allowing effective cleaning when needed while conserving energy when soiling is minimal.
2Reliability
If cleaning devices operate frequently to maintain cleanliness, then surface cleanliness is improved, but productivity is reduced due to unnecessary cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device uses detection devices to continuously monitor soiling levels and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether cleaning is actually needed, avoiding unnecessary operations. This feedback mechanism ensures cleanliness is maintained only when soiling exceeds thresholds, improving productivity by eliminating redundant cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full cleaning operations every cycle, the device performs cleaning only when detection indicates it is necessary. This partial action approach maintains cleanliness when needed while avoiding excessive cleaning operations that would reduce overall productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If cleaning parameters are individually adjusted for each partial area, then cleaning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the cleaning operation into a single uniform process applied to the entire surface area, rather than individually controlling each partial area. The detection data from multiple partial areas is aggregated to determine an overall soiling level, which then governs a unified cleaning operation, simplifying the control system while maintaining adequate cleaning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device uses a universal cleaning operation that applies to the entire surface based on overall soiling assessment. Rather than requiring specialized cleaning routines for each detected soiled spot, a single multi-functional cleaning process handles the entire area, reducing control complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a cleaning device (1) that moves automatically within an environment, wherein the cleaning device (1) cleans a surface (2) according to a predetermined work plan, wherein a detection device (3) of the cleaning device (1) detects degrees of soiling of several surface sub-areas (4, 5, 6) of the surface (2), wherein a cleaning operation of the cleaning device (1) is varied depending on the detection result, wherein an overall degree of soiling of the surface (2) is determined from the degrees of soiling of several surface sub-areas (4, 5, 6) and the cleaning operation is carried out with the same cleaning parameters for the entire surface (2) according to the overall degree of soiling.In order to create an alternative to common operating procedures, it is proposed that the determined total degree of soiling be compared with at least one reference degree of soiling, namely a total degree of soiling determined during a previous cleaning activity.