Floor cleaning device and method for cleaning a floor surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning devices face challenges in reliably determining the type of floor surface due to external influences such as ambient light, which affects the accuracy of soil type identification using optical detection methods.
Innovation Solution
The use of a spectroscopy device with an optical lighting element and diffractive or refractive elements for spectral decomposition of reflected light, allowing for a quantitative analysis of the floor surface's spectral signature, independent of external influences, and enabling the adjustment of cleaning parameters based on the determined floor type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If photographic images are used to determine floor type, then the detection method is simple and inexpensive, but the determination accuracy is reduced due to ambient light and scattering effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (camera) with a spectroscopy-based detection system. Instead of using photographic images that are sensitive to ambient light, the invention uses a light source to illuminate the floor surface and a spectrometer to analyze the reflected light spectrum. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of ambient light scattering and reflection, providing accurate floor type determination through spectral analysis rather than image processing.
2Measurement precision
If spectroscopy device with active light source is used, then floor type determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single detection device that combines an active light source, spectrometer, and control unit. This multi-functional device can determine various floor types (wood, laminate, tile, carpet) using a single spectral analysis mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple separate detection systems. The control unit processes spectral data to identify floor type, material, and even contamination presence, providing comprehensive floor surface characterization through one unified system.
3Reliability
If spectral analysis is performed to determine floor type, then determination reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to active lighting and spectral decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed illumination rather than continuous lighting to reduce energy consumption. The control unit activates the light source only when spectral analysis is required for floor type determination, and the spectrometer captures reflected light during these periodic illumination events. This approach maintains high determination reliability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
This method provides a reliable determination of the floor type, allowing for optimized cleaning by adjusting cleaning parameters such as intensity, agent usage, and travel patterns, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the spectroscopy device has at least one optical lighting element for emitting light directed onto the floor surface
Implementation Method 2
at least one diffractive or refractive element for the spectral decomposition of reflected light
Implementation Method 3
at least one diffractive or refractive element for the spectral decomposition of reflected light
Implementation Method 4
The recorded spectrum of the floor surface can be calibrated with regard to wavelength and/or energy or frequency of the light
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a floor-cleaning appliance that comprises at least one cleaning unit (24) for cleaning a floor surface (12) and an optical detection device (28), which can be used to determine a floor type. To provide a floor-cleaning appliance (10; 80) of this kind that enables a more reliable determination of the floor type, the invention proposes that the detection device (28) is designed as a spectroscopy device (30) or comprises same, which enables the floor type to be determined based on a spectrum (58, 60, 62, 64) of the floor surface (12) captured in reflection. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a floor.