Method for operating a mobile self-propelled device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile, self-driving devices like robotic vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers face challenges in balancing power consumption with the need for efficient information transmission and user interaction, particularly in standby modes.

Innovation Solution

A method that operates these devices in three communication modes: offline, online, and a mixed mode where the device is temporarily online and offline, allowing controlled network connection management to reduce power consumption while ensuring timely notifications and user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the network connection is maintained continuously (second communication mode), then the response speed to user commands is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements periodic network connections in the third communication mode, switching between offline and online states at defined intervals. This allows the device to maintain functionality while reducing power consumption compared to continuous connection, as the network module is activated only during specified time windows for sending notifications or receiving commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the network connection is deactivated permanently (first communication mode), then the power consumption is reduced, but the user cannot control the device or receive notifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its communication state based on operational needs and user requirements. The device can switch between three communication modes (first, second, and third modes), allowing the network connection status to be flexible rather than static. This enables optimization of power consumption while maintaining user control capabilities when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If the device operates in mixed mode with temporary online/offline switching, then the power consumption is reduced, but the complexity of network management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnetwork management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device autonomously manages its own network connection state according to predefined rules and operational context. The control unit automatically determines when to switch between online and offline states based on the mixed mode configuration, eliminating the need for manual user intervention in network management while reducing power consumption through intelligent, self-directed connection control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4483771B1Method for operating a mobile self-propelled device
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4483771B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4483771B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2

AI summary

A method for operating a mobile, self-propelled device (10), in particular a robotic lawnmower or a floor cleaning device, such as a vacuuming, sweeping and/or mopping robot, is described, in which the device (10) can be operated in a first communication mode, a second communication mode and a third communication mode. The first communication mode is an offline mode. The second communication mode is an online mode. The third communication mode is a mixed mode in which the device (10) is at least temporarily offline and at least temporarily online.