Floor cleaning robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous floor cleaning robots with limited height detection mechanisms fail to detect obstacles at varying altitudes, leading to non-detection and potential blocking when operating as high-rise or '2 in 1' robots.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a double-level bumper system with bumpers arranged at different heights and supplemented by proximity sensors, allowing for improved obstacle detection across various altitudes and reducing dead zones between bumpers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-level bumper system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the obstacle detection capability deteriorates for high-rise robots
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper system is segmented into multiple levels (first level and second level) positioned at different heights. Each level independently detects obstacles at its respective altitude, ensuring comprehensive coverage for high-rise robots while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-plane (2D) bumper arrangement to a multi-plane (3D) configuration with bumpers distributed across different vertical levels. This dimensional expansion enables detection of obstacles at various altitudes, resolving the limitation of single-level systems for tall robots.
2Reliability
If bumpers are arranged at different heights, then the obstacle detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-level bumper arrangement is segmented into modular units (first level bumpers and second level bumpers) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation simplifies the overall design and assembly process while achieving comprehensive vertical detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-level bumper system serves multiple functions: detecting obstacles at low altitude, detecting obstacles at high altitude, and providing redundant detection coverage. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering superior reliability and comprehensive obstacle detection across the robot's full height.
3Measurement precision
If multiple bumpers are used to cover dead zones, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more bumpers in the same plane, the solution adds a new vertical dimension with a second level of bumpers. This dimensional approach covers dead zones between bumpers at different heights without requiring an excessive number of bumpers at each level, maintaining detection precision while controlling complexity.
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
Enhances the sensitivity and reliability of obstacle detection for high-rise cleaning robots, enabling effective navigation around obstacles without unnecessary contact and wear, regardless of the obstacle's height.
Implementation Method 1
means for detecting a movement of each of the bumpers relative to the chassis
Data Source
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AI summary
A floor cleaning robot (100) comprising: - a chassis (30), - at least two bumpers (10A-10C, 20A-20C) movable relative to the chassis (30), - means for detecting movement of each of the bumpers (10A-10C, 20A-20C) relative to the chassis (30). According to the invention, the two bumpers (10A-10C, 20A-20C) are arranged on at least two levels respectively positioned at different heights relative to a ground support plane (P1) of the robot (100).