Elastic Assembly Collision Detection for Cleaning Robot Bumpers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collision detection systems in sweeping robots are complex and require improvement for efficient obstacle avoidance.

Innovation Solution

A collision detection apparatus with a base, switch, and elastic assembly, where a cover with an abutting part pushes a preset portion of the elastic assembly to trigger the switch upon collision, enhancing sensitivity and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex collision detection structures are used, then collision detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision detection capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the collision detection function with the protective cover structure. The cover serves dual purposes: protecting internal components and detecting collisions through its integrated abutting part that directly contacts the elastic assembly, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover performs self-detection of collisions. When the cover contacts an obstacle, the abutting part automatically pushes the elastic assembly to trigger the switch, allowing the cover itself to detect and report the collision event without requiring additional sensors or complex detection systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If mechanical collision triggering is used, then collision detection is achieved, but the collision switch assembly may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision detectionVSAvoidassembly durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic assembly acts as a cushioning element between the cover and the switch. When collision occurs, the elastic assembly deforms to absorb impact energy before transmitting the triggering force to the switch, preventing direct mechanical shock that could damage the switch or surrounding components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic assembly serves as an intermediary between the cover and the switch. It transmits the collision force in a controlled manner, allowing the switch to detect the collision event while protecting it from the full impact force that would occur with direct mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The apparatus provides high collision detection sensitivity and efficiency with a simple structure, allowing timely reporting of collision events.

Implementation Method 1

one end of the elastic assembly is connected with the base, and the other end is connected with the switch; the abutting part is clamped with a preset portion of the elastic assembly; under a state that the cover has a collision and moves in a set direction, the abutting part is forced to push the preset portion, so as to drive the other end of the elastic assembly to trigger the switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4295736B1Collision detection apparatus and cleaning device
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4295736B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4295736B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4295736B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a collision detection apparatus and a cleaning device. The collision detection apparatus includes: a base (2); a switch, in the base (2); an elastic assembly (4), in the base (2), in which one end of the elastic assembly (4) is connected with the base (2), the other end is connected with the switch; a cover (1), movably connected with the base (2) to move within a set range and has an abutting part (101), the abutting part (101) is clamped with a preset portion of the elastic assembly (4); under a state that the cover (1) has a collision and moves in a set direction, the abutting part (101) is forced to push the preset portion, so as to drive the other end of the elastic assembly (4) to trigger the switch (3), the switch (3) is configured to report a collision event when being triggered.