Self-Propelled Floor Apparatus with Grid Navigation and UV Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled robotic cleaning systems fail to effectively sterilize floor surfaces using UV light due to inadequate UV dose application and lack of integration with navigational algorithms, resulting in suboptimal bactericidal performance.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled apparatus with a recessed chamber housing elongated germicidal ultraviolet lights, controlled by a unit that navigates in a grid-pattern and equipped with obstacle sensors, ensuring parallel alignment of UV lights with the platform's movement direction for intense UV dose application, and optionally integrating with a smart device for operation control and data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the self-propelled platform moves in a grid-pattern with straight lines, then the UV light can be applied consistently across floor surfaces, but the system complexity increases due to integration with navigational algorithms and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV sterilization function with the navigation and cleaning functions into a single integrated system. The control unit coordinates the movement of the platform along grid-pattern paths while simultaneously controlling the UV lights to irradiate the floor, merging multiple functions into one unified device that operates autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-propelled platform serves multiple functions: it navigates autonomously using grid-pattern algorithms, cleans the floor surface, and simultaneously performs sterilization using UV lights. This multi-functional design allows a single device to address both cleaning and disinfection needs without requiring separate systems.
2Reliability
If the germicidal ultraviolet light is mounted to radiate intensely across the floor, then bactericidal effects are enhanced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV lights are controlled to operate periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the UV irradiation during specific intervals when the platform is positioned over target areas, providing sufficient bactericidal effect while avoiding continuous energy consumption. This periodic operation synchronizes with the platform's movement along the grid-pattern path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary navigation and positioning before activating the UV lights. The control unit calculates the optimal path and positions the platform correctly, then activates the UV irradiation only when needed, ensuring energy is used efficiently at the right moment rather than continuously.
3Ease of operation
If the self-propelled platform is equipped with obstacle sensors and control algorithms, then navigation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is equipped with obstacle sensors and control algorithms that enable it to navigate autonomously without human intervention. The system detects obstacles, calculates alternative paths, and adjusts its movement automatically, making the device self-sufficient in navigation tasks while maintaining relatively simple operation for the user.
4Area of stationary object
If the UV light is positioned to cover adequate floor space, then the sterilization area increases, but the UV dose intensity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization process is divided into segments corresponding to different sections of the floor covered by the grid-pattern path. The platform moves systematically through multiple segments, ensuring that each area receives adequate UV exposure during its designated time interval, thereby maintaining both coverage area and dose intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV irradiation is applied continuously as the platform moves along the grid-pattern path, ensuring that every area of the floor receives treatment without interruption. This continuous action along the predetermined path maintains consistent UV dose delivery across the entire sterilization area.
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
Achieves enhanced bactericidal effects by ensuring consistent and intense UV exposure across floor surfaces while allowing for user-friendly operation and monitoring of the system's state and mode through a smart device.
Implementation Method 1
at least one germicidal ultraviolet light exhibiting an elongated shape and mounted in the self-propelled platform within the recessed chamber in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the at least one germicidal ultraviolet light is kept in parallel to the linear moving direction of the self-propelled platform
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled apparatus includes: a self-propelled platform having a recessed chamber located in the bottom side, a control unit mounted in the self-propelled platform for controlling the moving path of the self-propelled platform in a predominantly grid-pattern that causes the self-propelled platform to mainly move in predominantly straight lines, a battery, one or multiple germicidal ultraviolet lights exhibiting an elongated shape and mounted in the self-propelled platform within the recessed chamber in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the germicidal ultraviolet lights is kept in parallel to the linear moving direction of the self-propelled platform, and obstacle sensors. The self-propelled apparatus utilizes a wireless module for wireless communication with an external smart device that has built therein an application software for controlling and displaying the operating status of the self-propelled apparatus.