Pool Cleaner Depth Sensing for Targeted Flat-Area Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool cleaning apparatuses struggle to accurately detect and clean flat areas with different heights at the bottom due to cost or application scenario limitations, lacking effective positioning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaning apparatus equipped with sensors to measure distance from the water surface to the pool bottom, allowing it to dive to target flat areas based on depth matching and user or preset rules, using ultrasonic and image sensors for accurate distance estimation and processor-controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pool cleaning apparatus is equipped with positioning function to detect flat areas, then the cleaning precision and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with sensor-based detection. The cleaning apparatus uses sensors to detect distance changes and identify flat areas, substituting mechanical positioning with a simpler sensing mechanism that achieves the same functional goal of locating cleaning targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning apparatus autonomously detects and identifies flat areas using its own sensors without requiring external positioning infrastructure. The device performs self-positioning and self-navigation by detecting distance changes to the pool bottom, eliminating the need for complex pre-installed positioning systems.
2Productivity
If the pool cleaning apparatus uses sensors to detect distance to pool bottom, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting flat areas, measuring water depth, identifying cleaning targets, and navigating the apparatus. This multi-functionality increases cleaning efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single sensor system accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple specialized subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in distance parameters detected by sensors to identify flat areas. By monitoring variations in distance to the pool bottom and comparing them against predefined thresholds, the system efficiently identifies cleaning targets without requiring complex analysis or additional hardware.
3Ease of operation
If the pool cleaning apparatus automatically selects target flat areas, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus automatically detects, identifies, and selects target flat areas for cleaning without user intervention. The system autonomously processes sensor data, compares detected distances with stored depth information, and determines cleaning targets independently, maximizing ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors regarding distance to the pool bottom and uses this feedback to dynamically identify and select flat areas. The control system processes real-time sensor data and adjusts target selection based on detected conditions, creating a closed-loop automatic operation system.
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
Enables efficient and precise cleaning of multiple flat areas by automatically detecting and selecting target areas, improving cleaning efficiency and user experience without requiring prior knowledge of pool layout.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining, by at least one sensor of the apparatus, information on a distance from the apparatus to a bottom of the pool
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor may include at least one ultrasonic sensor and/or at least one image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for cleaning a pool. The method may include controlling an apparatus for cleaning the pool to move on a water surface of the pool, obtaining, by at least one sensor of the apparatus, information on a distance from the apparatus to a bottom of the pool during a movement of the apparatus on the water surface, and controlling the apparatus to dive from a position on the water surface where the information on the distance is obtained to a bottom area corresponding to the position on the water surface for cleaning in a case where the distance matches a depth of a target flat area in the pool.