Method for determining a route for a floor cleaning machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining routes for floor cleaning machines are not time-efficient and cost-effective, particularly when cleaning large areas, as they require manual path planning and do not allow for autonomous navigation within complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a route for a floor cleaning machine by defining transport paths and work paths independently, allowing the machine to autonomously navigate and clean areas efficiently by activating the cleaning element only when necessary, using spatial coordinates and sensor data to map the environment and plan optimal paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual path planning is used for floor cleaning machines, then the cleaning process can be controlled, but the time efficiency and cost effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning area into multiple zones and divides the cleaning task among multiple floor cleaning machines. Each machine independently navigates and cleans its assigned zone, eliminating the need for manual path planning while maintaining efficient coverage of the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor cleaning machines are equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, including sensors and control systems that enable them to independently determine their position, plan cleaning paths, and execute cleaning operations without human intervention. This self-service capability dramatically improves time efficiency while reducing operational costs.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the cleaning element is activated during transport movement, then cleaning can be performed continuously, but the machine cannot move quickly to floor surfaces to be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated when the machine is stationary or moving slowly over dirty areas, and deactivated during high-speed transport between cleaning locations. This periodic operation maintains cleaning effectiveness while enabling fast movement during transport phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of the cleaning element based on the machine's operational phase. The cleaning element is engaged during work paths and disengaged during transport paths, with the transition controlled by the autonomous navigation system that identifies when the machine is moving between cleaning zones versus when it is actively cleaning.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated path is determined for both transport and cleaning, then route planning is simplified, but the machine cannot autonomously adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The route planning is segmented into separate transport paths and work paths. Transport paths are pre-determined for moving between cleaning zones, while work paths are autonomously generated within each zone based on real-time sensor data about dirt distribution, obstacles, and zone boundaries. This segmentation enables both simplified overall planning and local adaptive optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of transport paths between cleaning zones, establishing the overall framework in advance. Within this framework, the machine autonomously determines optimal work paths during actual cleaning operations based on sensor feedback, combining pre-planning with real-time adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a floor cleaning machine having a selectively activatable cleaning element that is configured to engage with a floor cleaning surface when the cleaning element is activated. The method includes determining a transport path and an additional transport path; determining a work area and an additional work area, which are connected to the transport path and the additional transport path; and operating the floor cleaning machine over a route that includes a plurality of transport movements, which occur along the transport path and the additional transport path, and a plurality of cleaning movements that occur over the work area and the additional work area. The cleaning element is deactivated during transport movements and is activated during cleaning movements.