Cleaning Robot Lidar Sensor Protection Using Nested Cover Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning robots with externally exposed lidar sensors face damage risks due to direct collisions with obstacles, as they lack effective protection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a lidar sensor exposure system with recessed parts and strategically positioned openings, along with a cover stopper mechanism and elasticity setting parts, to prevent direct contact between the lidar sensors and the moving cover, ensuring the sensors are protected from external impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the lidar sensor is externally exposed for sensing, then the sensing function is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to direct collision with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The lidar sensor is nested within a recessed part of the cover structure. The sensor is positioned in a recess that is surrounded by the cover on multiple sides, creating a protective cavity that shields the sensor from direct external impacts while still allowing the sensor to detect obstacles in front of the robot.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional exposure (sensor fully exposed on the surface) to a three-dimensional protected structure (sensor positioned in a recessed cavity). The recessed part creates depth in the structure, allowing the sensor to be exposed in the forward direction while being protected from lateral and rear impacts by the surrounding cover.
2Strength
If the cover is designed to move as a bumper to absorb external force, then the robot's durability is improved, but the moving cover may collide with and damage the externally exposed lidar sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The lidar sensor is nested within a recessed part of the cover structure. The sensor is positioned in a recess that is surrounded by the cover on multiple sides, creating a protective cavity that shields the sensor from direct external impacts while still allowing the sensor to detect obstacles in front of the robot.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover stopper is pre-positioned at a specific location relative to the lidar sensor. When the cover moves forward as a bumper during collision, the stopper makes contact with the cover first, preventing the cover from moving far enough to collide with the sensor. This preliminary positioning of the stopper ensures protection before any potential damage can occur.
3Device complexity
If the lidar sensor is positioned close to the cover opening for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensor is more susceptible to collision damage
Solution Approach 1:
The lidar sensor is nested within a recessed part of the cover structure. The sensor is positioned in a recess that is surrounded by the cover on multiple sides, creating a protective cavity that shields the sensor from direct external impacts while still allowing the sensor to detect obstacles in front of the robot.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional exposure (sensor fully exposed on the surface) to a three-dimensional protected structure (sensor positioned in a recessed cavity). The recessed part creates depth in the structure, allowing the sensor to be exposed in the forward direction while being protected from lateral and rear impacts by the surrounding cover.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning robot includes a top cover, a bottom cover formed below the top cover and configured to move by external force, a fixed body provided in the bottom cover, a first opening formed in an upper portion of the bottom cover and a first sensor connected to the fixed body and externally exposed between the top cover and the bottom cover through the first opening.