Networked Cleaning Device System for Autonomous Service Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning device systems require a base station or another vacuum cleaner to be readily available for service, which is inconvenient when a cleaning device calls for maintenance, as users must manually prepare another device for operation.
Innovation Solution
A system with two cleaning devices connected via a communication network, where one device can request service from another based on service readiness, allowing for automatic or user-assisted service actions, such as emptying a suction material collection container, through a common control device that manages service requests and device availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a base station or another vacuum cleaner is kept readily available for service, then service can be performed on cleaning devices, but device complexity and user burden increase as users must manually prepare another device for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device autonomously monitors its own service requirements (e.g., container fill level, battery status) and automatically initiates service requests to other devices in the network without requiring user intervention. The device self-manages its service needs by communicating with the control unit and selecting appropriate service providers from available devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A central control unit acts as an intermediary that receives service requests from cleaning devices, manages the registry of available service providers, and coordinates the service process. This intermediary simplifies the system by centralizing service management logic and reducing direct peer-to-peer complexity between devices.
2Ease of operation
If users manually prepare another cleaning device for service operation, then service can be performed, but user effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Service provider devices are pre-registered with the control unit, maintaining a ready state with available capacity (e.g., empty containers, charged batteries) before service is needed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually set up service devices at the moment service is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors service readiness status of all devices and provides feedback to both service seekers and providers. When a device requires service, the control unit automatically identifies and notifies suitable service providers, enabling rapid response without user intervention or time-consuming manual preparation.
3Extent of automation
If cleaning devices are interconnected via communication network, then automatic service coordination is enabled, but device complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a registry for service providers, a communication hub for service requests, a coordinator for matching seekers with providers, and a monitor for service readiness status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while enabling comprehensive automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system with at least two cleaning devices (1, 2), at least one of the cleaning devices (1) being displaceable relative to another cleaning device (2, 1). In order to be able to carry out a service on one of the cleaning devices (1, 2) in a particularly advantageous manner, it is proposed that the cleaning devices (1, 2) each have a communication connection to a common control device (3, 4), the control device (3, 4 ) is set up, depending on a service requirement of a device component of a first cleaning device (1) and depending on a status of service readiness of a second cleaning device (2), a request to carry out a service action to the second cleaning device (2) and / or a user ( 5) of the second cleaning device (2).