Coordinated Pool Cleaning Robots for Region-Specific Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large swimming pools often require a single commercial pool cleaner, which can lead to downtime and inefficiencies if the cleaner needs servicing or repair, and there is a need to reduce human intervention and improve efficiency in pool cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A set of pool cleaning robots that can work together, with features like collision and cable entanglement avoidance, different cleaning capabilities, and interchangeable modules, to ensure continuous operation and efficient cleaning of various pool regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single commercial pool cleaner is used in large pools, then the cleaning equipment cost is reduced, but the pool cleaning efficiency decreases and downtime increases when servicing or repair is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pool cleaning system into multiple independent robotic cleaners that can operate simultaneously in different regions of the pool. Each robot is a self-contained unit with its own cleaning mechanisms, propulsion system, and control electronics, allowing the system to segment the cleaning task across multiple units rather than relying on a single large cleaner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple pool cleaning robots into a coordinated system that works together to clean the entire pool. The robots can operate in parallel, with their collective cleaning capacity exceeding that of a single cleaner, and they can be managed through a centralized or distributed control system that coordinates their movements and cleaning patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single pool cleaner is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different pool regions and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each pool cleaning robot with universal cleaning capabilities that can handle various pool surfaces and conditions. The robots are equipped with adjustable cleaning mechanisms, multiple propulsion modes, and sensors that allow them to adapt to different pool regions, including shallow areas, deep ends, and various bottom textures, making each unit multi-functional rather than specialized for a single task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities in the robots, including variable speed propulsion, adjustable cleaning element pressure, and real-time path planning that adapts to detected pool conditions. The robots can dynamically change their operating parameters based on feedback from sensors and communication with other robots, allowing the system to adapt to different pool regions without requiring specialized hardware for each area.
3Productivity
If multiple pool cleaning robots are deployed, then the productivity and reliability improve, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each pool cleaning robot to autonomously navigate, detect obstacles, plan its own cleaning path, and adjust its operations without constant external control. Each robot possesses onboard sensors, processors, and decision-making algorithms that allow it to independently handle navigation challenges, avoid collisions with other robots and pool features, and complete its cleaning tasks, thereby reducing the complexity of external coordination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where robots communicate their status, location, and cleaning progress to the system controller and to each other. This feedback enables dynamic reassignment of cleaning zones, coordination to avoid conflicts, and real-time optimization of the overall cleaning process. The system can receive feedback from sensors about pool conditions and adjust robot operations accordingly, creating a responsive coordinated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of pool cleaning robots for cleaning a pool, wherein a first pool cleaning robot of the set and a second pool cleaning robot of the set are configured to clean different regions of the pool.