Robotic Pool Cleaner Optical Sensing for Debris and Out-of-Water Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool cleaners lack the ability to detect when they are out of water or to identify the type and amount of debris being picked up, limiting their effectiveness in cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A robotic pool cleaner equipped with optical sensors that determine the presence of debris and air by measuring light intensity changes, allowing the system to adjust its operations such as movement and cleaning time based on detected debris, and using machine learning to classify debris types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pool cleaners operate without optical sensors, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of debris detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or simple flow-based detection methods with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor uses light emission and detection mechanisms to measure debris concentration in the water flow, substituting physical/mechanical detection with optical field-based measurement to achieve higher precision without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the debris particles and the detection system. The optical sensor emits light through the water flow and detects the interaction between light and debris particles, using light as a mediator to indirectly measure debris concentration with high precision while keeping the physical sensor structure relatively simple
2Productivity
If the pool cleaner uses optical sensors for debris detection, then the productivity of cleaning operation is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of the optical sensor rather than continuous operation. The control system takes measurements at regular intervals during the cleaning cycle, enabling the cleaner to maintain high productivity by detecting debris presence while consuming less energy by keeping the optical sensor inactive between measurement periods
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses the optical sensor data to automatically adjust cleaning operations without constant monitoring. Once debris is detected, the system self-adjusts by modifying the cleaner's movement or brush activity, reducing the need for continuous energy-intensive sensor operation while maintaining productive cleaning responses
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pool cleaner continuously monitors debris levels, then the adaptability to debris presence is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-establishes threshold values for debris detection and predetermined response protocols. When the optical sensor detects debris levels exceeding these pre-set thresholds, the system immediately executes pre-planned cleaning adjustments, eliminating the need for complex real-time data processing and enabling rapid adaptation to debris conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where optical sensor measurements are continuously compared against pre-established debris thresholds. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust cleaning parameters, creating a responsive system that adapts to debris presence through simple threshold-based decision-making rather than complex real-time analysis, thus minimizing data processing time
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
Enhances the pool cleaning process by ensuring the cleaner operates efficiently, adapts to debris presence, and accurately identifies debris types, optimizing cleaning cycles and maintenance strategies.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensors that determine the presence of debris and air by measuring light intensity changes
Implementation Method 2
optical sensor operatively coupled to the processing device and positioned relative to the intake pathway
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a robotic pool cleaner and a control system of a robotic pool cleaner having an optical sensor positioned relative to an intake pathway of the robotic cleaner to monitor a flow of material through the intake pathway. An output of an optical sensor of the robotic poo! cleaner can be monitored by the control system of the robotic pool cleaner to determine whether a detectable level of debris is flowing through the intake pathway. The robotic pool cleaner can perform one or more operations in response to a determination that a detectable level of debris is flowing through the intake pathway based on the output of the optical sensor.