Robotic Pool Cleaner Cable-Pull Sensing for Directional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic pool cleaners face challenges in efficiently navigating and cleaning pool surfaces, particularly in transitioning between different pool shapes and orientations, due to limitations in directional control mechanisms that are reliable and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A robotic pool cleaner equipped with a cable pull sensing mechanism that includes a bendable component with a bending sensor and proximity sensors, allowing the controller to adjust propulsion based on cable tension direction, enabling the robot to autonomously navigate and climb pool walls, and a remote control option by pulling the cable to override autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional directional control mechanisms are used, then the robotic pool cleaner can navigate pool surfaces, but it struggles to efficiently transition between different pool shapes and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical directional control mechanisms with a cable pull sensing system. The cable acts as a mechanical input that, when pulled in any direction, is detected by a sensor and translated into corresponding directional movement commands, allowing the robot to navigate complex pool geometries efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The cable serves as an intermediary between the user (or autonomous control system) and the robotic pool cleaner's propulsion system. By pulling the cable in different directions, the robot receives directional guidance without requiring complex onboard navigation hardware, thus improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity
2Measurement precision
If complex directional control mechanisms are implemented, then navigation accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the directional sensing function from the robot itself and places it in the cable system. The cable pull sensor detects the direction and magnitude of pulls on the cable, providing accurate directional control information to the robot's controller without requiring complex sensors or processors on the robot
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pull sensing mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components such as a flexible cable, a bending sensor, or proximity sensors near the cable entry point. This approach provides cost-effective directional control compared to expensive inertial measurement units or complex robotic navigation systems
3Extent of automation
If autonomous operation is used, then user interaction is minimized, but flexibility in remote control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power to the robot, acts as a control interface for directional guidance, and enables both autonomous operation (when not pulled) and manual remote control (when pulled by the user). This multi-functionality allows the system to operate in either mode as needed
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 solution enhances the robotic pool cleaner's ability to cover all pool surfaces efficiently and adapt to different shapes, while providing a simple and cost-effective remote control option, improving cleaning effectiveness and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
the bendable component to which the cable is attached and a bending sensor, wherein the generated signal is indicative of bending of the bendable component relative to the housing
Implementation Method 2
the proximity sensor includes at least one magnetic sensor that is configured to measure a magnetic field that is indicative of proximity of one or a plurality of magnets to the sensor
Implementation Method 3
A propulsion mechanism configured to propel the robotic pool cleaner along an interior surface of a pool; a cable that extends outward from the housing
Implementation Method 4
a suction mechanism to draw liquid from the pool into the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic pool cleaner including: a housing; a propulsion mechanism configured to propel the robotic pool cleaner along an interior surface of a pool and a suction mechanism to draw liquid from the pool into the housing. A cable extends outward from the housing and a pull sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of at least a direction in which the cable is pulled. A controller is configured to receive the signal and to operate the propulsion mechanism to propel the robot in accordance with the received signal.