Cleaning Robot Acoustic Contour Sensing for Adaptive Floor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning robots lack the ability to adapt cleaning functions based on different areas of a floor, leading to inefficient cleaning and potential collisions with obstacles or uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning robot equipped with a sound wave module to emit and receive reflected waves, allowing the controlling module to generate a contour of the environment and adjust its movement and cleaning functions accordingly, enabling adaptive cleaning based on the detected layout and surface types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cleaning robots use uniform cleaning functions for all areas, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different floor areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with acoustic wave-based detection. The sound wave module emits acoustic waves that reflect off floor surfaces, and the controlling module analyzes these reflections to automatically detect floor characteristics (raised or recessed areas) and adjust cleaning functions accordingly, achieving adaptability without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning robot autonomously detects floor characteristics and adjusts its own cleaning functions without external intervention. The controlling module processes reflected acoustic waves to identify floor types and automatically modifies cleaning parameters, enabling the system to serve itself and adapt to different environments
2Productivity
If conventional cleaning robots clean all areas with the same function, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of cleaning functions based on real-time detection of floor characteristics. The controlling module continuously monitors acoustic wave reflections and dynamically modifies cleaning parameters (such as cleaning intensity, speed, or tool engagement) to match the specific floor area being cleaned, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adaptation
3Reliability
If the cleaning robot does not detect floor contours, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to collisions and ineffective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensors and contact-based detection systems with acoustic wave-based floor contour detection. The sound wave module emits acoustic waves that reflect off floor surfaces, and the controlling module analyzes these reflections to generate contour information, enabling reliable navigation and collision avoidance without complex mechanical sensing structures
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning robot performs preliminary detection of floor contours and characteristics before initiating cleaning operations in each area. The controlling module analyzes reflected acoustic waves to identify floor types and potential obstacles in advance, allowing the robot to pre-adjust its cleaning path and functions, thereby improving reliability and preventing collisions before they occur
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
The robot can effectively navigate and clean various floor areas, including raised and recessed surfaces, and adjust its cleaning intensity and speed, enhancing its adaptability and efficiency in different environments.
Implementation Method 1
The sound wave module emits a sound wave and receives a plurality of reflected waves
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning robot cleaning a specific region and including a movement module, a sound wave module, a cleaning module and a controlling module is provided. The movement module includes a plurality of wheels. The sound wave module emits a sound wave and receives a plurality of reflected waves. The cleaning module performs a cleaning function. The controlling module generates a contour according to the reflected waves and controls at least one of the movement module and the cleaning module according to the contour.