Coordinated Robotic Pool Cleaners via Signal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large pools require either oversized and expensive robotic pool cleaners or multiple small cleaners that may interfere with each other, leading to inefficiencies and unsuitability for cleaning pools of varying sizes within the same facility.
Innovation Solution
A system of multiple robotic pool cleaners that communicate through optical, acoustic, or electromagnetic signals to coordinate their movements and avoid interference, allowing them to operate concurrently in the same pool without entanglement or redundant cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple small robotic pool cleaners are used to clean large pools, then the cost and size of individual cleaners can be reduced, but the cleaners may interfere with each other's operation
Solution Approach 1:
Each robotic pool cleaner is equipped with a transceiver that continuously transmits and receives signals indicating the relative locations of other cleaners in the pool. The controller processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the propulsion mechanism to maintain optimal spacing and avoid interference, enabling reliable concurrent operation of multiple cleaners in pools of various sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver system acts as an intermediary communication channel between multiple robotic pool cleaners. By transmitting optical, acoustic, or electromagnetic signals, the transceivers enable the cleaners to indirectly sense each other's positions and coordinate their movements without direct physical interaction, resolving the interference problem while maintaining operational reliability
2Area of stationary object
If a single large robotic pool cleaner is used to clean large pools, then complete coverage can be achieved, but the cost and complexity of the cleaner increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying a single large complex robotic pool cleaner, the system segments the cleaning task across multiple smaller, simpler robotic pool cleaners. Each cleaner has reduced complexity and cost, but collectively they cover the entire large pool area through coordinated operation, maintaining complete cleaning coverage while significantly reducing individual unit complexity
3Area of stationary object
If the cable length is increased to reach all parts of a larger pool, then the robotic pool cleaner can cover more area, but the cable becomes more prone to tangling and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver system serves as an intermediary that enables multiple robotic pool cleaners with shorter cables to coordinate their movements and maintain appropriate spacing. This communication mechanism allows each cleaner to adjust its path to avoid cable entanglement with others, achieving complete pool coverage without the harmful effects of long cables
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
Enables efficient cleaning of large pools by coordinating the movement of multiple small robotic pool cleaners, preventing interference and ensuring complete coverage without the need for oversized equipment, thus improving operational efficiency and adaptability for facilities with multiple pool sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver configured to receive a signal that is indicative of a relative location of another robotic pool cleaner and to transmit a signal that is receivable by a transceiver of the other robotic pool cleaner, the signal including a signal selected from a group of signal types consisting of optical, acoustic and electromagnetic
Implementation Method 2
the transceiver includes at least one wire loop antenna. the at least one wire loop antenna includes two wire loop antennas on different sides of the robotic pool cleaner, and wherein each of the two wire loop antennas is configured to generate an electromagnetic field whose polarity is opposite the electromagnetic field that is generated by the other wire loop antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
A robotic pool cleaner includes a housing, a propulsion mechanism configured to propel the robotic pool cleaner along an interior surface of a pool, and a suction mechanism for drawing liquid from the pool into the housing. A transceiver is configured to receive a signal that is indicative of a relative location of another robotic pool cleaner. A controller is configured to control the propulsion mechanism in accordance with the indicated location of the other robotic pool cleaner