Pool Cleaning Robot Extraction Interface for Autonomous Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pool cleaning robots require significant human intervention for immersion and retrieval, making the process time-consuming and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic and autonomous pool cleaning robot system that includes a crane and elevator system for contactless charging, filter exchange, and washing, allowing the robot to exit the pool independently and perform maintenance tasks without human assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual immersion and retrieval of pool cleaning robot is performed, then human control over the robot is maintained, but significant human intervention and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary extraction system consisting of a robotic arm and interface device that mediates between the pool environment and the cleaning robot. This intermediary system automatically grasps, lifts, and positions the robot, eliminating the need for direct manual handling while managing the complexity through modular design where the interface device attaches to existing pool structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the pool cleaning robot to be automatically extracted and re-immersed without human assistance. The robotic extraction system operates autonomously, detecting the robot's presence, grasping it at the designated interface, and performing the extraction sequence, thereby making the system serve itself rather than requiring external human intervention.
2Productivity
If manual handling of the pool cleaning robot is used, then simple equipment is required, but the process is time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-consuming manual handling operations from the overall pool maintenance process by implementing an automated extraction system. The robotic arm and interface device separate the immersion/retrieval function from manual labor, enabling rapid automated extraction while the interface device can be detached and stored, keeping the complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the interface device at the pool edge and pre-programming the extraction sequence. The robotic arm is ready in advance to grasp the robot as soon as it reaches the interface point, eliminating delays associated with manual reaction time and preparation.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous operation is implemented, then human intervention is reduced, but the system requires complex automation infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction system is designed with universality in mind, where the interface device can accommodate different robot models and the robotic arm can perform multiple functions including extraction, positioning, and potential other maintenance tasks. This multi-functionality justifies the complexity by providing broad operational ease across various scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect the robot's approach to the interface, confirm successful grasping, and verify proper positioning. This feedback loop enables the system to operate autonomously with ease by automatically adjusting to variations in robot position and extraction conditions without requiring complex manual oversight.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for extraction of a pool cleaning robot from a pool, the system may include a base for receiving the pool cleaning robot; and at least one out of (a) an interface device and (b) a pool cleaner electrical power cable winding drum; wherein the interfacing device comprises an interfacing device portion that extends beyond and below the base during a part of the extraction of the pool cleaning robot from the pool; and wherein the pool cleaner electrical power cable winding drum is configured to wind and unwind a power cable of the pool cleaning robot during the part of the extraction of the pool cleaning robot from the pool.