Coordinated Cleaning Robots for Confined Space Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large commercial cleaning robots are limited by their size and inability to access confined spaces, requiring manual intervention for cleaning under tables or in narrow aisles, as they lack the necessary maneuverability and autonomy to perform tasks in all environments.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning robot system comprising a primary robot and a secondary robot, where the primary robot collects environmental parameters to identify inaccessible zones and commands the secondary robot, which is smaller and more agile, to perform cleaning tasks within these zones, utilizing sensors and communication modules for coordinated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large commercial cleaning robot is used to increase cleaning capacity and battery endurance, then cleaning productivity and operation duration are improved, but the robot cannot access confined spaces such as areas under tables or narrow aisles
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning robot is divided into a primary robot and multiple secondary robots. The primary robot handles open area cleaning with high productivity, while secondary robots are deployed to clean confined spaces. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high cleaning capacity and access to restricted areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Secondary robots are stored within the primary robot's body structure, specifically in a storage compartment accessible through a door. When confined space cleaning is needed, the primary robot opens its door and releases the secondary robot into the target area. After completion, the secondary robot returns to the primary robot for recharging. This nesting approach enables the large robot to deploy smaller units for specialized tasks.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the robot body size is increased to hold more trash and extend battery life, then operation endurance is improved, but the robot's maneuverability and ability to reach all cleaning locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments cleaning tasks by spatial characteristics. The large primary robot with extended battery life operates in open areas where maneuverability is less constrained, while smaller secondary robots handle confined spaces requiring high maneuverability. This division allows each robot type to optimize for its specific operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary robot autonomously navigates to the primary robot, enters through the door, and positions itself in the storage compartment without manual intervention. The primary robot automatically opens the door when a secondary robot needs to return, enabling self-service recharging and task coordination.
3Device complexity
If a single large cleaning robot is used to simplify the system structure, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform specialized cleaning tasks in different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The primary robot serves multiple functions: it performs cleaning tasks in open areas, transports secondary robots to and from confined spaces, provides charging infrastructure for secondary robots, and coordinates overall cleaning operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment while maintaining adaptability across different cleaning scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary robot acts as an intermediary between the operator and the secondary robots. It receives cleaning task assignments, determines when secondary robot deployment is needed, manages their deployment and retrieval, and coordinates their operations. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system control structure while enabling specialized cleaning capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a cleaning robot including a primary robot having a first controller configured to control a plurality of first sensors, a first communication module, a first moving apparatus, and a first cleaning assembly; and at least one secondary robot having a second controller configured to control a plurality of second sensors, a second communication module, a second moving apparatus, and a second cleaning assembly.