Moisture Sensor Feedback for Floor Cleaner Water Trailing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and robotic floor cleaning machines struggle to detect conditions that require corrective action during the cleaning process, such as water trailing, which can lead to inefficient or incomplete cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system connected to a sensor system that includes a moisture detection system, featuring electrodes and absorbent materials to monitor moisture levels, allowing the machine to detect and respond to water trailing, ensuring effective cleaning operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous floor cleaning machines are used to reduce labor costs, then productivity is improved, but the ability to detect cleaning deficiencies like water trailing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing system that acts as a mediator between the autonomous cleaning machine and the cleaning quality assessment. The sensor system (including moisture sensors, optical sensors, or cameras) detects water trailing and cleaning deficiencies, providing information feedback that the autonomous machine would otherwise lack. This intermediary enables the machine to maintain high productivity while gaining awareness of cleaning quality issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect cleaning deficiencies (water trailing, streaking, or incomplete cleaning) and provide information back to the autonomous cleaning machine. This feedback loop allows the machine to monitor its own performance, identify problems, and potentially adjust its operation to maintain cleaning quality while operating autonomously without human supervision.
2Measurement precision
If manual operation is used to monitor cleaning quality, then detection capability is improved, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the floor cleaning machine to perform self-monitoring of its own cleaning quality through integrated sensor systems. The machine automatically detects water trailing, squeegee blade deficiencies, and cleaning imperfections without requiring external human observation. This self-service capability provides precise measurement of cleaning quality while eliminating the need for additional manual monitoring, thereby reducing operational complexity rather than increasing it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual visual inspection with an automated sensing system. Instead of relying on human operators to visually detect water trailing and cleaning deficiencies, the system uses moisture sensors, optical sensors, or cameras to automatically detect and report cleaning quality issues. This substitution provides more consistent and precise measurement while reducing the operational complexity associated with manual monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If operator sits in front of recovery system looking forward, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to detect water trailing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system positioned on the autonomous cleaning machine that detects water trailing behind the machine. Since the operator sits in front of the recovery system and cannot visually observe the cleaning path behind them, the sensor system acts as an intermediary that provides information about rearward water trailing to the operator or control system, enabling detection without changing operator positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors mounted on the autonomous cleaning machine detect water trailing and provide information back to the operator or control system. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to maintain their comfortable forward-facing position while still receiving real-time information about cleaning deficiencies behind the machine, effectively bridging the information gap created by the operator's positioning.
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 system enables autonomous floor cleaning machines to consistently and efficiently perform cleaning tasks by detecting and addressing issues like water trailing, reducing labor costs and improving cleaning consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture sensor in communication with the control system and configured to generate a signal in response to moisture in the absorbent medium
Implementation Method 2
electrodes connected to the frame for engaging moisture along the cleaning path
Data Source
AI summary
A floor cleaning machine can comprise a chassis, a cleaning mechanism, a control system, and a cleaning operation sensing system connected to the chassis. The chassis can be configured for movement along a cleaning path. The cleaning mechanism can perform a cleaning operation. The liquid system can provide liquid to the cleaning mechanism. The recovery system can recover liquid from the cleaning operation. The control system can control performance of the cleaning operation. The cleaning operation sensing system can detect a condition of the cleaning operation. The cleaning operation sensing system can comprise a water trailing detection system comprising: a frame connected to the chassis aft of the recovery system, an absorbent medium connected to the frame; and a moisture sensor in communication with the control system to alter a signal in response to moisture in the absorbent medium.