Combination, device, visualization component, attaching means, software product in relation to performance of work in a household
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous household machines pose tripping hazards and lack effective deterrence against burglars due to their low profile and absence of visual presence.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a device with a performance unit, moving means, control unit, and a visualization component, including two-dimensional or three-dimensional elements like human, animal, or object shapes, using light projection or inflatable units, to enhance visibility and safety by creating the illusion of presence, coupled with a security system for demand-oriented activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autonomous household machines operate with low profile and flat body design, then they can perform work effectively on the floor, but they create tripping hazards and lack visibility for safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visualization component as an intermediary element that projects images (such as household objects, animals, or abstract shapes) above the autonomous device. This mediator creates visual presence without altering the device's low-profile operational design, thereby warning pedestrians and reducing tripping hazards while maintaining effective floor-level work performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the otherwise two-dimensional low-profile device by projecting visualization images upward into the space above the device. This dimensional extension creates visual awareness for pedestrians without interfering with the device's horizontal operational footprint on the floor
2Ease of operation
If autonomous household machines maintain low profile design, then they can navigate under furniture and perform detailed work, but they provide no visual presence to deter burglars
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization component acts as a mediator that creates the illusion of presence by projecting images above the device. This visual presence mimics human or animal presence, effectively deterring burglars while the device itself maintains its low-profile design for navigating under furniture and performing detailed cleaning work
3Reliability
If a visualization component is added to the device, then safety and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visualization function from the core operational system by making it an optional, separable component. The visualization component can be added or removed based on safety and security needs, allowing the core device to remain simple while providing enhanced safety features when required
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a safety warning to pedestrians, creates a security presence to deter burglars, and can potentially provide navigation information. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple safety and security benefits from a single component addition
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
Improves safety by deterring burglars and reducing tripping hazards through enhanced visibility, while reducing weight and energy consumption with remote visualization data reception and adaptable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the visualization element is formed at least partially by a light projection and/or as an inflatable unit. Preferably the light projection relates to a light source for producing a 2D- and/or 3D-figure, wherein both common light sources, such as lamps, energy saving lamps and/or LED-lamps as well as laser-based light sources may be used.
Implementation Method 2
an inflatable unit is used, wherein the inflatable unit is formed as a body, which is inflated by means of an airstream, to present a three-dimensional body. The inflatable unit is in particular provided with an air inlet and/or an air outlet, so that the blown-in air is substantially directed into the body and is substantially fully retained in the body or flows out of the provided air outlet again.
Implementation Method 3
Said discharge of the air preferably results in a wave like movement of the inflatable unit or body.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination for performing work in a household environment includes a device with a performance unit for performing the work, a moving apparatus for moving the device on a surface, a control unit for controlling the moving apparatus for autonomous maneuvering on the surface, and a visualization component, wherein the visualization component includes a two-dimensional or three-dimensional visualization element in a shape of a human, an animal, a plant, a household object, a fantasy figure, a moving apparatus, in particular a vehicle, an airplane, or a ship, and wherein the visualization element is at least partially formed by a light projection and/or as an inflatable unit.