Distance detection method and device for cleaning robot, and cleaning robot

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning robots cannot precisely detect the distance between themselves and obstacles, leading to inefficient operation and potential collisions, as they typically rely on collision plates that only slow down the robot upon detection, rather than allowing for precise distance measurement.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented distance detection method for cleaning robots using a signal transmitting and receiving module arranged at a preset angle and distance, allowing for the determination of a specific distance from an obstacle by analyzing the changing trend of signal intensity, enabling precise detection and avoidance of collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a collision plate is used for obstacle detection, then the robot can detect obstacles, but the detection precision is low and the robot cannot stop at an optimal distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance detection precisionVSAvoidcleaning efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical collision plate detection system with an optical signal-based detection system. The transmitter emits light signals and the receiver detects reflected signals to calculate distance, substituting mechanical contact with optical measurement to achieve precise distance detection without physical collision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light signals as an intermediary between the robot and obstacles. The transmitter sends light signals toward obstacles, and the receiver detects the reflected signals, using the light signal as a mediator to convey distance information without requiring direct mechanical contact between the robot and obstacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the robot stops only when the collision plate is hit, then obstacle detection is simple, but the robot cannot avoid collisions efficiently and cleaning efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcollision avoidance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by detecting obstacles at a distance before actual collision occurs. The signal transmitter and receiver calculate the distance to obstacles and allow the robot to stop at an optimal distance, performing the avoidance action before the collision plate would be hit, thus maintaining cleaning efficiency while ensuring reliable collision avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the robot slows down upon detecting an obstacle, then obstacle detection is achieved, but the detection is not precise and the robot cannot determine optimal stopping position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with a simpler optical signal system. By using light transmission and reflection principles, the system achieves precise distance measurement without requiring complex mechanical sensors or multiple detection components, thus improving measurement precision while keeping device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method allows for precise detection of the distance between the cleaning robot and obstacles, enabling efficient collision avoidance and improved operational efficiency by determining the optimal distance for safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

the signal transmitting module radiates the first signal outward, and the signal receiving module receives the second signal sent back from the obstacle after the first signal reaches the obstacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal transmission and reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3663795B1Distance detection method and device for cleaning robot, and cleaning robot
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 MIDEA ROBOZONE TECH CO LTD
  • EP3663795B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3663795B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3663795B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Provided are distance detection method and device for a cleaning robot, a cleaning robot, an electronic device and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The method includes: acquiring detection data of an obstacle detector of the cleaning robot, determining, according to the detection data, whether a distance between the cleaning robot and an obstacle reaches a first distance, where the first distance is a distance between the cleaning robot and the obstacle at a moment when a changing trend of the detection data fits a preset changing trend. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, whether the cleaning robot is moving to a specific positon a certain distance away from the obstacle may be detected precisely. As the specific position is determined precisely, collision with obstacles can be avoided efficiently for the cleaning robot during working, and thus the distance detection method for the cleaning robot is improved.