Planar Surface Cleaning Robot Vacuum Feedback for Edge Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous cleaning robots for vertical planar surfaces, such as windows, are either costly, cumbersome, or lack effective safety mechanisms to avoid dangerous conditions during operation.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous planar surface cleaning robot with a main body, a driving mechanism, a vacuum source, a vacuum sensor, and a control unit that adjusts direction based on vacuum pressure feedback to maintain attachment and avoid hazards, featuring a compact design and easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If autonomous cleaning robots are designed with complex safety mechanisms and feedback control systems, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism using a vacuum sensor that continuously monitors vacuum pressure and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When the sensor detects vacuum pressure below a threshold (indicating potential detachment), the control unit automatically responds by adjusting the driving mechanism to turn the robot away from edges. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliability without requiring complex mechanical safety structures.
2Ease of operation
If the robot size is reduced for household convenience, then ease of operation improves, but the effectiveness of safety mechanisms may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical safety structures with an electronic sensing and control system. The vacuum sensor and control unit form an electronic feedback mechanism that compensates for the smaller size, allowing the robot to maintain effective safety functions despite its compact dimensions suitable for household use.
3Ease of operation
If the robot uses vacuum pressure to maintain attachment, then ease of operation improves, but reliability may worsen when vacuum pressure drops below threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum sensor continuously monitors vacuum pressure and provides feedback to the control unit. When pressure drops below a predetermined threshold (indicating the robot may be approaching an edge or losing attachment), the system automatically responds by controlling the driving mechanism to turn the robot away from the dangerous position, thereby maintaining attachment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting vacuum pressure changes before complete detachment occurs. The feedback mechanism triggers a preventive response (turning away from edge) when vacuum pressure first drops below threshold, preventing the harmful effect of falling before it can occur.
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 robot effectively cleans vertical surfaces while ensuring safety by adjusting direction in response to vacuum pressure changes, maintaining attachment, and providing a cost-effective, lightweight, and user-friendly solution for household use.
Implementation Method 1
autonomous cleaning robots that suction to vertical planar surfaces such as a window pane using negative air pressure, e.g., vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous planar surface cleaning robots are disclosed. The robot includes a main body having a bottom portion defining an outer portion defining a surface area about a perimeter thereof and an inner portion defining a cavity formed within the outer portion. The main body supports a driving mechanism, a vacuum source, a vacuum sensor, and a control unit. The vacuum source, cavity, and vacuum sensor are in fluid communication. The control unit is electrically coupled to the driving mechanism, the vacuum source, and the vacuum sensor, and is configured to control the robot to turn direction when the control unit receives a signal from the vacuum sensor indicating that a degree of vacuum pressure within the cavity is below a predetermined vacuum pressure. Also disclosed is robot that includes multiple vacuum sources. Also disclosed is an apparatus that includes a connector pole.