Device for cleaning dirty surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices are susceptible to malfunction in environments with dust emissions due to issues with infrared, magnetic, optical, and optical recognition systems, which cannot reliably prevent falls or maintain effective operation.
Innovation Solution
Employing mechanical sensors, such as pressure, strain, or force sensors positioned at the front of the device to detect changes in ground level, combined with a two-part magnetic safety switch, and using an airflow system to protect optical detection systems from dirt, along with a movable dirt collection chamber for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared sensors are used for fall prevention, then the device can detect edges and prevent falls, but the sensor becomes susceptible to malfunction in environments with dust emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical sensors (infrared) with a mechanical sensor system that detects ground level changes through direct mechanical contact. The sensor element physically touches the ground surface, and changes in ground level cause mechanical displacement of the sensor, which is then detected by evaluation electronics. This mechanical approach is immune to dust emissions that plague optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical sensor element as an intermediary between the device and the ground surface. This sensor element acts as a mediator that physically contacts the ground and translates ground level changes into detectable signals, thereby protecting the evaluation electronics from direct exposure to harsh environments while maintaining reliable detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If optical recognition systems are used for navigation and object detection, then the device can accurately detect obstacles and navigate, but the system becomes dirty and compromises reliable function in dusty environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical recognition systems with a mechanical sensor system for ground level detection and navigation. The mechanical sensor element directly contacts the ground surface, providing tactile feedback about terrain changes without relying on optical paths that can be blocked or scattered by dust particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the optical domain and places it in the mechanical domain. By taking out the ground detection function from optical systems and implementing it through mechanical contact, the system eliminates the vulnerability to dust contamination inherent in optical paths.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are used to measure device displacement, then the device can detect movement, but the device cannot reliably prevent crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting ground level changes before the device encounters obstacles or crashes. The mechanical sensor element continuously monitors the ground surface ahead of the device, allowing the control system to take preventive action before a crash occurs, rather than reacting after displacement has already happened.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces magnetic sensors with a mechanical sensor system that provides more reliable crash prevention. The mechanical sensor element's direct contact with the ground surface allows it to detect obstacles and ground level changes more reliably than magnetic sensors, enabling timely crash prevention actions.
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
Enables reliable operation in dusty environments by preventing falls and maintaining accurate navigation and cleaning efficiency, reducing measurement errors and the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a mechanical sensor which, by contact with the ground, serves to detect a change in the ground level
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is a mechanical sensor which, by contact with the ground, serves to detect a change in the ground level
Implementation Method 3
an area in front of the optical recognition unit is freed from dirt by means of an airflow generated by a blowing device
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A device (1) for automatically performing an activity, in particular for cleaning soiled surfaces, has at least one sensor (3) and at least one drive element (4). The drive element (4) divides the device (1), with respect to the intended direction of movement (B), into a rear section (11) and a front section (12). The sensor (3) is a mechanical sensor that, by contact with the floor, serves to detect a change in the floor level and is arranged in the front section (12) of the device (1).