Multi-Device Cleaning System with Autonomous Service Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users must manually manage and operate multiple cleaning devices to perform services like emptying dust collectors, which is inconvenient and requires constant readiness of additional devices.
Innovation Solution
A system with at least two cleaning devices connected via a shared controller for communication, allowing one device to request and perform services on another, including automatic notification and movement for efficient service execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cleaning device requires service (e.g., emptying dust collector), then the service must be performed, but the user must manually manage and operate additional cleaning devices which is inconvenient and requires constant readiness
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device that requires service autonomously communicates its needs to other cleaning devices in the system. The system automatically identifies available devices and coordinates service without requiring manual user intervention, allowing the needing device to serve itself through resource sharing among peers.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication network acts as an intermediary between cleaning devices, enabling them to exchange service requests and availability status. This mediator facilitates automatic coordination and matching between devices needing service and devices capable of providing service, eliminating the need for direct user management.
2Reliability
If multiple cleaning devices are operated manually, then services can be performed, but user effort increases and operations may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where cleaning devices report their service needs and availability status to the communication network. This feedback mechanism enables automatic monitoring and coordination, ensuring services are executed reliably while reducing the complexity of manual system management through intelligent automation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cleaning device in the system is designed to potentially perform multiple functions: it can both require service and provide service to other devices. This multi-functionality increases system reliability by creating redundant capabilities while the automated coordination reduces the complexity of managing these versatile devices.
3Productivity
If a base station or vacuum cleaner is kept readily available for service, then service can be performed quickly, but device availability and readiness requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines service provision based on real-time availability status of cleaning devices. Instead of requiring a base station or vacuum cleaner to be constantly ready, the system adapts by identifying any available device that can provide the needed service, thereby maintaining fast service execution while increasing flexibility in device availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication network continuously monitors and maintains information about the availability status of all cleaning devices in advance. This preliminary knowledge allows the system to quickly coordinate service when needed without requiring specific devices to be pre-positioned or pre-prepared, thus achieving fast service while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system has at least two cleaning devices, wherein at least one of the cleaning devices can be displaced relative to another cleaning device. In order to perform a service on one of the cleaning devices in an especially advantageous manner, the cleaning devices each have a communications link to a shared controller, wherein the controller is set up to transmit a service request to the second cleaning device and/or to a user of the second cleaning device, depending on the service required by a device component of a first cleaning device, and depending on the service availability status of a second cleaning device.