Coverage Robot Bumper Sensors for Autonomous Floor Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial floor cleaning robots are large, costly, and complex, requiring operator attendance due to their size and weight, and their effectiveness deteriorates as the cleaning fluid becomes contaminated during the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot with a drive system, obstacle sensor system, and a bumper frame equipped with proximity sensors and a multiplexing auxiliary circuit board that processes sensor signals and communicates with a main circuit board to navigate and clean surfaces autonomously, avoiding obstacles and maintaining cleaning efficiency by managing the cleaning fluid effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If industrial floor cleaning robots are made large and complex to implement wet cleaning techniques, then cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and operator attendance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into functional modules: drive system with independently controlled wheels, sensor system for obstacle detection, cleaning system with fluid reservoir and applicator, and control system. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot integrates multiple functions into a single platform: autonomous navigation, obstacle detection and avoidance, wet cleaning, and self-monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized devices and reduces overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If industrial floor cleaning robots are made large and heavy to provide sufficient cleaning force, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and operator attendance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously performs navigation, obstacle detection, cleaning operations, and self-monitoring without operator intervention. The self-service capability eliminates the need for operator attendance even though the robot provides effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the environment and cleaning progress, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables autonomous decision-making for navigation and cleaning operations, replacing operator judgment and control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile robot (100) that includes a robot body (110) having a forward, drive direction (F), a drive system (120) supporting the robot body, and a robot controller (150) in communication with the drive system. The robot also includes a bumper (130) movably supported by a forward portion (112 ) of the robot body and an obstacle sensor system (400) disposed on the bumper. The obstacle sensor system includes at least one contact sensor (420) disposed on the bumper, at least one proximity sensor (410) disposed on the bumper and an auxiliary circuit board (450) disposed on the bumper and in communication with the at least one contact sensor, the at least one proximity sensor, and the robot controller.