Autonomous Mower Cleaning System with Dirt Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous traveling work machines, such as robotic mowers, lack an effective method to determine the necessity and method of cleaning based on the state of dirt accumulation, particularly when dirt adheres to areas other than the wheels, and do not account for varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system that includes an acquirer to gather dirt information, a determiner to assess the necessity and method of cleaning based on this information, and a cleaning executor to perform the appropriate cleaning operation, utilizing sensors and imaging units to assess dirt state and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cleaning mat is used to clean the wheels by friction, then the wheels are cleaned, but dirt adhering to other parts of the machine cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to perform multiple cleaning functions: it includes a cleaning mat for friction-based cleaning of wheels and contact parts, plus air blowing mechanisms and water spraying capabilities to handle dirt on various other surfaces of the machine, making the system versatile for different cleaning needs
2Reliability
If water is used to wash off heavily adhering dirt, then effective cleaning is achieved, but energy consumption and drying time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the cleaning method based on the detected dirt state: it uses air blowing for lightly adhering dirt (lower energy consumption) and switches to water spraying only when necessary for heavily adhering dirt, optimizing energy usage while maintaining effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces friction-based mechanical cleaning with air blowing technology, using compressed air to remove dirt without physical contact, thereby reducing energy consumption and avoiding the need for water and drying processes
3Use of energy by moving object
If air blowing is used to remove lightly adhering dirt, then energy consumption is reduced, but heavily adhering dirt cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the dirt adhesion state and provides feedback to the control unit, which then determines the appropriate cleaning method: air blowing for light dirt and water spraying for heavy dirt, ensuring effective cleaning while optimizing energy consumption
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 system effectively determines the necessity and method of cleaning for autonomous traveling work machines, ensuring efficient and appropriate dirt removal based on dirt state and environmental conditions, enhancing the machines' operational efficiency and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit generating a dirt image indicating the dirt of the autonomous traveling work machine
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system includes a mower that executes a mowing work while traveling autonomously, and a cleaning station that cleans the mower. The cleaning system includes: an acquirer that acquires dirt information relating to a state of dirt of the mower; a determiner that determines at least one of a necessity of cleaning the mower and a method of cleaning the mower, based on the dirt information; and a first cleaning executor that executes a cleaning operation, according to a determination result of the determiner.