Mobile robot and method for controlling mobile robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Moving robots generate disturbances such as noise, light, and vibrations, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing efficiency when noise reduction methods are implemented, and users face inconvenience during scheduled work or sleep times due to unnecessary operation restrictions.

Innovation Solution

A disturbance prohibiting mode is introduced, allowing users to set specific times and zones where certain robot functions are restricted, reducing disturbances and maximizing efficiency without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a soundproofing device is added to reduce noise, then noise reduction is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the noise reduction function from physical soundproofing devices and implements it through software control. The controller selectively operates noise-generating components based on temporal and spatial parameters, separating the noise reduction function from hardware additions and achieving it through intelligent control algorithms instead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical soundproofing devices with an electronic control system. Instead of using physical barriers or dampening materials to reduce noise, the system uses a controller to monitor temporal and spatial parameters and selectively activate noise-generating components, substituting mechanical noise reduction with electronic intelligence.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If noise reduction devices are added, then noise is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the controller multi-functional by giving it the responsibility of both operating the noise-generating components and managing noise reduction through temporal and spatial parameter monitoring. This single controller performs multiple functions: component operation, parameter detection, decision-making, and selective activation, eliminating the need for separate noise reduction devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the noise reduction function with the existing controller and detection systems. The controller that already manages noise-generating components is extended to also handle noise reduction logic, while detection devices serve dual purposes of operational monitoring and noise reduction decision-making, combining multiple functions into unified systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If output or speed is decreased to reduce disturbance, then noise and disturbance are reduced, but operational efficiency is excessively reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedisturbanceVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operation by continuously adjusting the activation state of noise-generating components based on real-time temporal and spatial parameters. Instead of fixed speed or output reduction, the system dynamically activates or deactivates components according to current environmental conditions, maintaining high efficiency when appropriate while reducing disturbance when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by selectively activating noise-generating components during specific time periods and spatial zones rather than continuous operation. The controller determines optimal activation periods based on temporal parameters (time of day, duration) and spatial parameters (location, environment), creating periodic on/off cycles that balance efficiency and disturbance reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If manual control is required to reduce disturbance during specific times, then disturbance is reduced, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedisturbanceVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the controller to automatically manage noise reduction without user intervention. The system autonomously detects temporal and spatial parameters, determines appropriate noise reduction actions, and executes selective activation of components, allowing the robot to self-regulate disturbance levels based on programmed parameters without requiring manual user control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming temporal and spatial parameters into the controller before operation begins. The controller is provided with advance information about desired operational windows, noise-sensitive periods, and spatial zones, enabling it to proactively adjust component activation in advance of disturbance-critical situations rather than reacting to user commands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3738724B1Mobile robot and method for controlling mobile robot
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3738724B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3738724B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3738724B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A moving robot according to the present disclosure includes a traveler which moves a main body, an operator which performs a predetermined operation, a communication module which receives information, and a controller which performs a control to restrict at least one specific function based on information on a set time received from the communication module when a current set included in the set time. A control method of a moving robot according to the present disclosure includes a mode inputting step of receiving an input for information on a set time to set a predetermined disturbance prohibiting mode, and a disturbance prohibiting step of restricting at least one specific function when a current time belongs to in the set time.