Communication control method and apparatus for mobile cleaning device, and medium and cleaning system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile cleaning devices face limitations in data transmission distance, leading to disconnection from the base station, preventing their return due to Bluetooth's limited range.

Innovation Solution

Implement a communication control method using a second wireless communication network, such as WiFi, to acquire base station position information from a cloud or laundry treatment device when the primary Bluetooth connection is lost, enabling the device to return to the base station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Bluetooth communication is used for data transmission between the mobile cleaning device and the base station, then power consumption is reduced and device complexity is minimized, but the data transmission distance is limited and connection reliability deteriorates when the device moves beyond effective range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cloud server as an intermediary to establish indirect communication between the mobile cleaning device and base station. When direct Bluetooth connection is unavailable, the device communicates through WiFi to the cloud server, which then relays data to the base station, solving the limited transmission distance problem while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system is designed to support multiple communication modes (Bluetooth and WiFi) within the same device. The mobile cleaning device can switch between direct Bluetooth communication for nearby operations and WiFi-based cloud communication for distant operations, providing universal communication capability across different scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If the mobile cleaning device operates beyond the effective Bluetooth transmission distance, then cleaning coverage area is expanded, but data transmission fails and the device cannot return to the base station

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverage areaVSAvoidposition information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud server acts as an intermediary to transmit position information between the mobile device and base station over extended distances. When the device moves beyond Bluetooth range, it maintains position data communication through WiFi connection to the cloud, preventing position information loss and enabling safe return to base station

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from direct peer-to-peer communication in a single dimension (device to base station) to multi-dimensional communication paths involving the cloud server. This allows position information to be transmitted through alternative routes when direct communication is unavailable, expanding operational coverage area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a dual communication network system (Bluetooth and WiFi) is implemented to extend transmission distance, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system dynamically selects between Bluetooth and WiFi modes based on connection status and distance requirements. The device uses low-power Bluetooth for nearby communication and switches to WiFi only when necessary for extended range operations, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes WiFi connection to the cloud server in advance as a backup communication channel. When Bluetooth connection is available, the device operates in power-saving mode using only Bluetooth. The pre-configured WiFi capability ensures communication reliability without continuous energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4362505B1Communication control method and apparatus for mobile cleaning device, and medium and cleaning system
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 WUXI LITTLE SWAN ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4362505B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4362505B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4362505B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The application relates to a communication control method and apparatus of a mobile cleaning device, a medium, and a cleaning system. The communication control method of the mobile cleaning device comprises the following operations. A base station position acquisition instruction is sent to a cloud through a second wireless communication network, after it is determined that a first wireless communication network between the mobile cleaning device and a base station is disconnected. Base station position information sent by the cloud based on the base station position acquisition instruction is received through the second wireless communication network. The base station position information is acquired by the cloud from a laundry treatment device through the second wireless communication network. Embodiments of the application may prevent a situation where a data transmission between the mobile cleaning device and the base station cannot be achieved after a communication network between the mobile cleaning device and the base station is disconnected, resulting in that the mobile cleaning device cannot return to the base station.