Cleaning device and cleaning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-base station cleaning systems, determining the appropriate service function range for a cleaning device at a specific base station is challenging, as not all base stations can perform all service tasks, such as charging or emptying dirt collection containers, requiring the device to identify suitable base stations autonomously.
Innovation Solution
The cleaning device uses an electrical interface to determine voltage measurements or voltage curves at the base station, which serve as identification means to identify the range of service functions, allowing it to autonomously select the appropriate base station for charging, emptying, or other tasks without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple base stations are deployed in a cleaning system, then the system's service coverage and functionality are improved, but the complexity of determining which base station can perform which service function increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using voltage as a physical parameter to encode base station identification information. Different base stations provide different voltage levels at their electrical interfaces, allowing the cleaning device to distinguish between base stations and determine their service function ranges by measuring these voltage parameters without complex communication protocols
2Extent of automation
If the cleaning device autonomously determines base station service functions, then the system's automation level is improved, but the time required for service location determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having base stations pre-configure their electrical interface voltage levels to represent their service capabilities before the cleaning device arrives. This allows the cleaning device to quickly determine base station functions through immediate voltage measurement upon docking, rather than requiring time-consuming communication exchanges or trial-and-error interactions
3Device complexity
If voltage measurements are used as identification means, then additional hardware for base station identification is eliminated, but the precision requirements for voltage measurement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that each base station provides a distinct voltage level at its electrical interface that corresponds to its specific service function range. This localized voltage differentiation at the interface point allows the cleaning device to accurately identify base station capabilities through simple voltage measurement, with the voltage differences being sufficiently large to exceed measurement tolerance ranges
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 enables efficient identification and utilization of base station capabilities, optimizing navigation and cleaning strategies by ensuring the device can perform necessary tasks at the correct base station, reducing unnecessary travel and improving service efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning device is also designed and set up, at a minimum, to determine at least one measured value of a voltage present at the electrical interface as a means of identification
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device having an electrical interface for interacting with an electrical counter-interface and a base station to charge the cleaning device. The cleaning device being configured to move autonomously in a processing environment, to carry out cleaning tasks, and to move into a service position with a base station. The cleaning device determines a range of service functions offered by a base station. When the cleaning device is in the service position, at least one measured value of a voltage or measured value of a voltage curve at the electrical interface provides a means of identification. This identification is used to determine the range of service functions at the base station or to identify a communication interface for use in determining the range of service functions by a data processing device. A cleaning system, a procedure, and a computer program product associated with the cleaning device is provided.