Moving Robot Noise Control Using Context-Aware Low-Noise Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving robots generate noise that disrupts users, particularly in quiet activities, and existing noise reduction methods increase manufacturing costs or compromise operation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A moving robot equipped with a sensing unit and controller that automatically activates or deactivates a low noise mode based on ambient conditions, such as user behavior and distance, to minimize noise pollution while maintaining operation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power or speed for performing an operation by a moving robot is increased, then operation efficiency is improved, but noise level increases causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of robot operating parameters (power, speed) based on real-time environmental sensing. The controller continuously monitors ambient conditions and dynamically modifies motor output to balance cleaning efficiency with noise reduction, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics to current operational context rather than maintaining fixed parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (motor power, rotating brush speed, suction force) based on sensed environmental conditions. When quiet conditions are detected, the controller reduces these parameters to lower noise output; when noise sensitivity is low, parameters are increased to improve cleaning efficiency, thus dynamically optimizing the trade-off between productivity and noise generation
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a noise prevention device is added to reduce noise caused by the moving robot, then noise level is reduced, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot uses its existing sensors (environmental sensors already present for other functions) to self-monitor noise-sensitive conditions and self-regulate its own operating parameters. The controller processes sensor data and automatically adjusts motor power and operational intensity without requiring external noise control devices, allowing the system to serve its own noise reduction needs using existing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical noise prevention mechanisms (such as acoustic enclosures, vibration dampers, or silencers that would add manufacturing cost) with an electronic control system that uses software-based parameter adjustment. Instead of mechanical or physical barriers to noise, the system uses intelligent control algorithms to modulate motor output and operational intensity, achieving noise reduction through electronic rather than mechanical means
3Productivity
If the moving robot operates at high power continuously, then operation efficiency is maintained, but user convenience decreases during quiet activities
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where environmental sensors continuously monitor conditions (detecting user presence, activity type, and noise sensitivity), and the controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust operating parameters. This closed-loop control allows the robot to respond to changing environmental conditions in real-time, maintaining high efficiency when appropriate while automatically reducing noise during quiet activities without user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The robot autonomously determines when to reduce noise based on environmental sensing, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings or interrupt operations. The system serves itself by automatically detecting quiet activities (through sensor data analysis) and self-regulating its power output, thereby maintaining user convenience while preserving operational efficiency when conditions permit
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a moving robot and a control method thereof. The moving robot includes: a traveling unit configured to move a main body; an operation unit configured to perform a specific operation while generating noise; a sensing unit configured to sense an ambient situation during traveling; and a controller configured to determine whether a specific activation condition is satisfied, based on situation information sensed by the sensing unit, and, when the activation condition is determined to be satisfied during traveling, perform a control action to activate a low noise mode so that the operation unit performs the specific operation with relatively reducing the noise. The control method includes: determining whether a specific activation condition is satisfied, based on situation information acquired by sensing an ambient situation during traveling; and, when the activation condition is determined to be satisfied, performing a specific operation in an activated state of a low noise mode in which noise is relatively reduced.