Pool Cleaner Wall Re-Approach Control for Better Edge Vacuuming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic swimming pool cleaners face challenges in effectively cleaning areas adjacent to pool walls due to varying approaches that result in debris intakes being too far from the walls, impeding successful vacuuming.
Innovation Solution
The automatic swimming pool cleaner is equipped with sensors, such as accelerometers or ultrasonic sensors, to detect approaching walls or objects. The controller reorients the cleaner by differential driving of wheels or tracks, allowing it to re-approach the wall at a different angle, thereby optimizing debris collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the automatic swimming pool cleaner approaches walls at varying angles and trajectories, then the cleaner can cover more area, but the debris intake becomes too far from the walls resulting in poor cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors (accelerometers, ultrasonic sensors) to detect the cleaner's approach angle to walls and provides feedback to the controller. The controller then adjusts the drive mechanism to correct the approach angle, ensuring optimal positioning of the debris intake relative to the wall for effective cleaning while maintaining area coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the cleaner's trajectory and approach angle in real-time based on sensor feedback. The controller modifies the drive wheel speeds and directions on-the-fly to achieve the optimal approach angle, transforming a static cleaning pattern into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains cleaning effectiveness across varying areas
2Manufacturing precision
If the cleaner uses a fixed cleaning pattern, then the approach angle to walls remains consistent, but the cleaner cannot adapt to varying pool geometries and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor the cleaner's position, orientation, and approach angle relative to walls and obstacles. The controller processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts the cleaning pattern to adapt to different pool geometries, slopes, and features while maintaining optimal approach angles for cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system transitions from a fixed predetermined pattern to a dynamic adaptive pattern that responds in real-time to pool features. The controller modifies trajectory, speed, and approach angles based on sensor data, enabling the cleaner to adapt to varying pool geometries and obstacles while maintaining consistent cleaning performance
3Productivity
If the cleaner approaches walls too closely, then debris collection is improved, but the cleaner may collide with walls or get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors (accelerometers, ultrasonic sensors) provide continuous feedback on the cleaner's distance and angle relative to walls. The controller uses this feedback to maintain an optimal approach angle that positions the debris intake close enough to walls for effective collection while preventing collisions or getting stuck
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system detects walls and obstacles in advance of the cleaner's path, allowing the controller to pre-adjust the trajectory and approach angle to achieve optimal positioning without collision. This preliminary detection and adjustment prevents problematic close encounters with walls
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
This method enhances the cleaner's ability to collect debris near walls and other pool features by ensuring a more uniform and optimal approach angle, improving cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor on-board the automatic swimming pool cleaner detects the approaching wall. In various embodiments, the sensor is selected from the group consisting of at least one: accelerometer, ultrasonic sensor, TOF sensor, or current watching sensor
Implementation Method 2
a sensor on-board the automatic swimming pool cleaner detects the approaching wall. In various embodiments, the sensor is selected from the group consisting of at least one: accelerometer, ultrasonic sensor, TOF sensor, or current watching sensor
Implementation Method 3
a sensor on-board the automatic swimming pool cleaner detects the approaching wall. In various embodiments, the sensor is selected from the group consisting of at least one: accelerometer, ultrasonic sensor, TOF sensor, or current watching sensor
Implementation Method 4
the step of causing reorientation of a body of the automatic swimming pool cleaner in response to the detection comprises differential driving of at least two wheels or tracks of the automatic swimming pool cleaner
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) may include a sensor for detecting adjacency of a pool wall or other object. Following such detection, the APC may reorient itself so as to re-approach the wall (or other object) in a manner better suited for cleaning the area. The reorientation may occur through, for example, changing speeds of motors on-board the APC, directions of travel of the cleaner, or both.