Glass Wiper Edge Detection Using Contact-Leg Sensor Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glass-wiping devices have complex detection processes, high hardware costs, and lack edge detection functionality, particularly for plate glass without frames, leading to a risk of falling off.

Innovation Solution

A glass-wiping device with a simplified structure featuring an edge detection unit comprising a sensor switch and action element, where the contact leg triggers a displacement to signal the control unit to cease or change direction, using travel switches, Hall sensors, or magnetrons for precise edge detection, and multiple units for enhanced sensitivity and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wavelet decomposition and fuzzy logic are used for edge detection, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and hardware cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge detection precisionVSAvoiddetection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential edge detection function from complex image processing algorithms. Instead of using wavelet decomposition and fuzzy logic, it employs a simple sensor switch that directly detects edge presence, retaining detection precision while eliminating unnecessary computational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex software-based image processing (wavelet decomposition, fuzzy logic algorithms) with a simple mechanical sensor switch system. The sensor switch mechanically detects edge presence through contact leg displacement, substituting computational methods with a direct physical sensing mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If wavelet analysis and fuzzy logic processing are implemented, then edge detection capability is improved, but hardware cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge detection capabilityVSAvoidhardware cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive sensor switches (travel switches, Hall sensors, or magnetrons) instead of expensive image processing hardware. These simple sensors can be easily manufactured and replaced, providing cost-effective edge detection without requiring high-end computational devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential detection function from complex image processing systems, eliminating the need for expensive wavelet analysis hardware and fuzzy logic processors. The simplified sensor-based approach retains edge detection capability while dramatically reducing hardware costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If no edge detection function is provided, then device structure is simplified, but reliability decreases due to falling risk on plate glass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidfalling prevention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the glass surface into detectable zones using multiple edge detection units positioned at different locations on the machine body. This segmentation allows the simple device to reliably detect edges in various positions, preventing falls on plate glass without adding complex overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary edge detection before the glass-wiping device reaches potentially dangerous positions. The sensor switches continuously monitor for edge presence ahead of time, allowing the control unit to take preventive action (cease running or change direction) before a fall can occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables accurate edge detection on plate glass, reducing costs and improving controllability, preventing the device from falling off by timely detection and adjusting its running direction.

Implementation Method 1

A spring is fitted around the action element, and is pressed against between the step through hole and the contact leg

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the sensor switch is a Hall sensor, and the action element comprises a magnetic element correspondingly provided thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 3

the sensor switch is a magnetron, and the action element comprises a magnetic element correspondingly provided thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetron effect: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10172504B2Glass-wiping device
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 ECOVACS ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • US10172504B2 patent drawing
  • US10172504B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A glass-wiping device comprises a machine body (1) and a control unit. The machine body (1) is provided with an edge detection unit (100), the edge detection unit (100) comprises a sensor switch (101, 101′) and an action element (102). The action element (102) is provided at a lower end thereof with a contact leg (1021, 1021′) that presses against the surface of a glass (200). When the contact leg (1021, 1021′) leaves the surface of the glass (200), the action element (102) correspondingly generates a displacement and triggers the sensor switch (101, 101′); the sensor switch (101, 101′) transmits a switch signal to the control unit; the control unit controls, on the basis of the switch signal, the glass-wiping device to cease running or to change the running direction. The glass-wiping device has a simple structure, reduced costs, high sensitivity and great controllability, and effectively implements the detection of the edge of a plate glass.