Mobile Robot Odor Diffusion Control for Pet Anxiety Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robots fail to effectively alleviate pet anxiety due to loneliness when left alone indoors, as existing solutions do not provide a reliable method to diffuse calming odors in a controlled and interest-based manner.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with a rotating part generating air flow, a storage box for odorous substances, a valve assembly for controlled odor diffusion, and sensors to detect pet interest and odorous substance levels, which adjusts odor release based on pet interaction and interest levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If odor is discharged continuously through the odor discharge flow path, then the calming effect on pets is improved, but the odorous substance is consumed faster and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly opens and closes periodically to control odor discharge timing. The controller activates the valve to discharge odor when pet anxiety is detected (via sensors or user input), then closes it to conserve odorous substance, creating a periodic action pattern that balances effectiveness with resource conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors (distance sensor, touch sensor) to detect pet interest and anxiety levels, providing feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts valve assembly operation to discharge odor only when needed, optimizing both the calming effect and substance conservation
2Productivity
If air flow is generated by rotating the rotating part, then odor diffusion rate is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating part operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates rotation when odor discharge is needed to enhance diffusion, then stops rotation to conserve energy, creating a periodic operation pattern that balances diffusion effectiveness with energy conservation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses air flow generated by the rotating part to enhance odor diffusion through pneumatic principles. The rotation creates airflow that carries odor molecules more effectively through the environment, improving diffusion rate without requiring complex mechanical pumping systems
3Reliability
If the valve assembly remains open to allow odor discharge, then pet anxiety relief is improved, but the odorous substance depletes faster
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly implements periodic opening and closing cycles. It opens briefly to discharge odor when pet anxiety is detected, then closes to preserve the odorous substance, extending its useful duration while maintaining anxiety relief effectiveness through targeted discharge events
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects pet anxiety indicators (distance, touch frequency) in advance and proactively discharges odor before complete depletion occurs. This preliminary action ensures anxiety relief is available when needed while preventing premature substance exhaustion
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 mobile robot effectively diffuses calming odors to pets, enhancing their interest and reducing anxiety by using air flow to enhance odor dispersal, while also alerting users when odorous substances need replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a flow path configured to guide a flow of air generated by rotation of the rotating part to the odor discharge flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body; a rotation portion which is disposed on a side surface of the main body and movably supports the main body; a storage box disposed inside the main body to store smell substances; a smell discharge passage formed to discharge smell from the storage box to the outside of the main body; an opening and closing portion disposed to open and close a space between the storage box and the smell discharge passage; a delivery passage disposed to guide the air flowing by the rotation of the rotation portion, to the smell discharge passage; and a control unit for controlling driving of the rotation portion and the opening and closing portion.