Communication method and apparatus for cleaning robot system, and device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaning robot systems face issues with low reliability in communication between the cleaning robot and the docking station due to small effective data volume, strict positional requirements, and high error rates in infrared communication.

Innovation Solution

Implementing WiFi communication between the cleaning robot and the docking station, using a combination of short-range communication modes like infrared or Bluetooth for initial pairing and handshake, followed by secure WiFi communication for large data transfer, ensuring continuity through dual-mode communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If infrared communication is used between cleaning robot and docking station, then communication can be established, but communication reliability is low due to small effective data volume, strict positional requirements, and high error rate

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication process into two distinct phases: initial pairing phase using infrared communication (short-range, high reliability for setup) and data transmission phase using WiFi communication (long-range, high data volume). This segmentation allows each communication mode to operate in its optimal performance zone, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two different communication modes (infrared and WiFi) into a unified communication system. The infrared module handles initial pairing and authentication, while the WiFi module handles bulk data transmission. This combination leverages the strengths of both modes to achieve high reliability and high data volume simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If infrared communication is used, then communication can be established, but data transmission volume is extremely small

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission volumeVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the communication workload by segment: infrared communication handles small-volume authentication and pairing data, while WiFi communication handles large-volume cleaning data transmission. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning appropriate data volumes to appropriate communication channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both infrared communication (for pairing) and WiFi communication (for data transfer). This universal communication capability allows the system to handle both small authentication packets and large cleaning data efficiently.

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

3Ease of operation

If infrared communication is used, then communication can be established, but strict positional requirements must be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocking operation easeVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the docking process into positional alignment (handled by infrared's directional nature) and data exchange (handled by WiFi's omnidirectional capability). This allows the robot to dock without strict positional requirements for data transmission, as WiFi can communicate from multiple angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If infrared communication is used, then communication can be established, but error rate is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication protocol into two layers: a simple infrared layer for authentication (with built-in error checking) and a robust WiFi layer for data transmission (with retransmission protocols). This layered approach improves reliability while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4661586A1Communication method and apparatus for cleaning robot system, and device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 BEIJING ROBOROCK INNOVATION TECH CO LTD
  • EP4661586A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4661586A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4661586A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided are a communication method and apparatus for a cleaning robot system, and a device. The method comprises: a cleaning robot acquiring first pairing information for WiFi communication, the first pairing information comprising WiFi access information and a random serial number; the cleaning robot sending the first pairing information to a first docking station by means of a first communication mode, the communication distance of the first communication mode being less than the communication distance of the WiFi communication; the cleaning robot, in response to handshake information returned by the first docking station on the basis of the first pairing information, determining whether the pairing with the first docking station is successful according to the handshake information; and the cleaning robot, when determining that the pairing with the first docking station is successful, communicating with the first docking station by using the WiFi communication mode and the first communication mode.