Cleaning robot and method for controlling same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning robots require manual reconnection of the cleaning apparatus to the driving apparatus, disrupting ongoing cleaning operations and necessitating users to remember and reinitiate cleaning tasks, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning robot design with a driving apparatus that can store the position of the cleaning apparatus when separated, allowing the driving apparatus to move along the cleaning apparatus and resume cleaning operations automatically upon reconnection, using a mounting groove system and position detection for seamless integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cleaning apparatus is separated from the driving apparatus, then the cleaning apparatus can be used independently as a wireless vacuum cleaner, but the driving apparatus cannot automatically locate and reconnect to the cleaning apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidautomatic reconnection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces position detection sensors and communication modules as intermediaries between the driving apparatus and cleaning apparatus. These intermediaries enable automatic position detection and signal transmission, allowing the driving apparatus to locate and reconnect to the cleaning apparatus without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between independent operation capability and automatic reconnection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cleaning apparatus is separated during cleaning, then the cleaning operation can be paused for independent use, but the cleaning task must be manually reinitiated after reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible usage modeVSAvoidtime to resume cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by storing the cleaning path and task information in the driving apparatus before separation occurs. When the cleaning apparatus is reconnected, the driving apparatus automatically retrieves the stored cleaning data and resumes the cleaning operation without requiring manual reinitiation, thereby reducing the time loss and maintaining flexible usage modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the driving apparatus remains stationary while cleaning apparatus is separated, then power consumption is reduced, but the driving apparatus cannot track the cleaning apparatus position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcleaning apparatus position information
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent position detection and communication between the driving apparatus and cleaning apparatus. Instead of continuous tracking that would consume excessive power, the system performs position detection and data transmission at periodic intervals or triggered by specific events (separation/reconnection), thereby maintaining position information while reducing power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3446608B1Cleaning robot and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3446608B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3446608B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3446608B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a cleaning robot capable of allowing a driving apparatus to move along a cleaning apparatus when the cleaning apparatus is separated from the driving apparatus, and a controlling method thereof. In addition, a cleaning robot having a driving apparatus capable of storing a position from which a cleaning apparatus is separated when the cleaning apparatus is separated from the driving apparatus, and capable of moving to the stored position when the cleaning apparatus is mounted to the driving apparatus, and a controlling method thereof. The cleaning robot includes a driving apparatus provided with a mounting groove configured to allow a cleaning apparatus to be removably mounted, and the cleaning apparatus removably mounted to the mounting groove. When the cleaning apparatus is separated from the mounting groove, the driving apparatus stores a position of the driving apparatus upon the separation of the cleaning apparatus and when the cleaning apparatus is mounted to the mounting groove, the driving apparatus moves to the stored position.