Mute operation method and apparatus for automatic cleaning device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic cleaning devices, such as sweeping and mopping robots, generate significant noise during operation, disrupting user activities and daily life.

Innovation Solution

A mute operation method and apparatus for automatic cleaning devices that allow users to switch to a mute mode by receiving a mute instruction, adjusting power levels, and planning a modified cleaning path to reduce noise while maintaining effective cleaning performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the automatic cleaning device operates at normal power level, then cleaning efficiency is maintained, but noise level increases and disturbs user activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidnoise level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between normal mode and mute mode based on real-time detection of user presence. The system adjusts operating parameters (power level, cleaning path) dynamically when a user is detected within the preset distance, and returns to normal operation when the user moves away, thus adapting the noise output to the actual usage context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key operating parameters when switching to mute mode: reducing power level to a preset value and generating a modified mute path with repeated combinations of original paths. These parameter changes directly reduce noise generation while the system monitors and responds to user proximity conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the power level is reduced to decrease noise, then noise pollution is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise pollutionVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic/repeated cleaning actions by generating a mute path that consists of repeated combinations of the original cleaning paths. This allows the cleaning device to perform multiple passes over the same area at reduced power, ensuring that cleaning effectiveness is maintained despite the lower operating power level during mute mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of user presence before initiating mute mode operations. By detecting user proximity in advance and switching to mute mode proactively, the system can plan appropriate cleaning paths and power adjustments beforehand, ensuring cleaning effectiveness is not compromised during the noise-reduced operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If a mute path is generated with repeated combinations of original paths, then cleaning coverage is maintained, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic cleaning actions by repeating combinations of original paths in mute mode. The system performs multiple passes over cleaning areas to ensure complete coverage when operating at reduced power, accepting increased operation time as a necessary trade-off for maintaining effective cleaning at lower noise levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts path planning based on the cleaning mode. In mute mode, it generates extended paths with repeated combinations to ensure coverage; in normal mode, it uses standard efficient paths. This dynamic path adaptation optimizes the balance between coverage and time based on current operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3029537B1Mute operation method and apparatus for automatic cleaning device
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3029537B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3(b)
  • EP3029537B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5(b)
  • EP3029537B1 patent drawingFigure 6(a)~6(d)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mute operation method and a mute operation apparatus for an automatic cleaning device, the mute operation method including: receiving (102) a mute instruction; planning (104) a mute path according to the mute instruction; switching (106) to a mute mode and performing a cleaning operation according to the mute path.