Autonomous Mopping Robot Tilt Detection for Mop Module Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners are unable to accurately detect when their mop modules are separated or obstructed, leading to unnecessary power consumption, potential scratches on the floor, and water leakage during wet cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner equipped with a tilt information acquisition unit and a load information acquisition unit that determine the detachment or obstruction of mop modules by comparing tilt and load values against predetermined reference values, allowing the controller to perform specific error response operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaner keeps trying to travel after mop separation, then the cleaner continues operating, but unnecessary power consumption occurs and floor scratches may result
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses tilt sensors to continuously monitor the cleaner's orientation and provides feedback to the controller. When the sensor detects a tilt state indicating mop separation, the controller receives this feedback and automatically stops operation, preventing further energy consumption and potential floor damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaner supplies water without detecting mop separation, then wet cleaning function is maintained, but water leakage occurs causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of mop separation using tilt sensors before initiating water supply. The controller checks the tilt state in advance, and only allows water supply when the mop is properly attached, thereby preventing water leakage while maintaining the wet cleaning function.
3Extent of automation
If the robot cleaner cannot detect mop obstruction, then autonomous operation continues, but the cleaner cannot respond to obstacles effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor provides continuous feedback about the cleaner's orientation and mop contact status. When the sensor detects abnormal tilt patterns indicating obstruction, the controller receives this feedback and can respond by stopping or adjusting operation, maintaining reliable autonomous operation while detecting obstacles.
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 the cleaner to accurately recognize the separation or obstruction of mop modules, preventing unnecessary power consumption, scratches, and water leakage, while allowing for efficient autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt information acquisition unit configured to acquire tilt information of the body in relation to the floor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a cleaner capable of autonomously traveling while performing a mopping task, the cleaner including: a body which defines an exterior appearance of the cleaner; at least one mop module which has at least one mop provided in contact with a floor, and which supports the body against the floor; and a tilt information acquisition unit configured to acquire tilt information of the body in relation to the floor. At least one specific part may comprise the at least one mop, may be a whole or part of the at least one mop module, and may be defined such that the at least one specific part is provided detachable from other parts of the cleaner except for the at least one specific part and that the body tilts in relation to the floor due to gravity while the at least one specific part is separated from the other parts. The cleaner may further comprises a controller which is configured to: based on at least the tilt information, determine satisfaction or unsatisfaction of a predetermined separated condition that is preset to be satisfied when the specific part is separated from the other parts; and, when the detachments condition is satisfied, control a predetermined mop separation error response operation.