Pool Cleaning Robot Adaptive Navigation via User-Defined Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool cleaning robots often encounter obstacles and inefficiencies due to inadequate navigation systems, leading to ineffective cleaning and potential damage, with existing technologies relying on pre-programmed trajectories that fail to adapt to changing pool conditions or user input.
Innovation Solution
A pool cleaning robot equipped with advanced sensors and a wireless control device that allows users to interactively define cleaning paths and demarcation zones using a touch screen, enabling real-time adjustments and updates to navigation and cleaning protocols, incorporating sensors like cameras, inertial motion sensors, and turbidity sensors for adaptive obstacle avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-programmed trajectories are used for navigation, then the cleaning robot can operate autonomously, but it cannot adapt to changing pool conditions or user input
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system transitions from static pre-programmed trajectories to dynamic adaptive paths. The robot continuously adjusts its cleaning path based on real-time sensor data detecting pool conditions, obstacles, and user inputs through the wireless control device, making the navigation system flexible and responsive to changing environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor pool conditions and obstacle locations, transmitting this information to the control unit which then adjusts the navigation path accordingly. The wireless control device also provides feedback mechanisms for user input, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to both environmental and user requirements.
2Productivity
If advanced sensors and interactive control are added, then cleaning efficiency and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless control device serves multiple functions: it acts as a user interface for defining cleaning zones and paths, a communication module for transmitting commands to the robot, a sensor data receiver for monitoring pool conditions, and an obstacle database manager. This multi-functionality consolidates several system components into one device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot autonomously navigates and performs cleaning operations based on the initial path definition provided by the user. Once the cleaning zones and general paths are established, the robot independently executes the cleaning task, adjusting its movements and operations without continuous human intervention, thereby improving efficiency while limiting the need for complex real-time control interfaces.
3Reliability
If pre-programmed paths are used, then automation is high, but cleaning performance is ineffective in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the user define cleaning zones and general paths before the robot begins operation. This preliminary configuration allows the robot to understand the pool layout and cleaning priorities in advance, enabling it to autonomously navigate and clean effectively while maintaining high automation. The pre-defined zones serve as a framework that guides the robot's autonomous decision-making during cleaning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pool cleaning robot (10), a mobile computer (210) and a method for operating a pool cleaning robot, the method may include receiving , by the pool cleaning robot, demarcation information that defines pool zones and pool cleaning robot operational parameters related to the pool zones; wherein the demarcation information is generated by a mobile computer and under a control of a user; and performing a cleaning operation, by the pool cleaning robot, based on the demarcation information.