Pool Cleaning Robot Wall-Edge Guidance Using Sliding Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swimming pool cleaning robots face inefficiencies in cleaning narrow areas like corners and wall edges due to signal attenuation of optical sensors and limited detection distance of ultrasonic sensors, leading to inaccurate wall edge identification and positioning issues.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the robot with distance detection sensors and a guide device on the same side, allowing the robot to adjust its direction and move forward using sliding friction when the distance from the wall deviates from a target, ensuring precise cleaning along the wall edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sensors are used to detect wall edge, then detection capability is provided, but signal attenuation occurs due to water quality and mobility factors affecting positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical guide device that physically contacts the pool wall to provide positioning information, mediating between the unreliable optical detection and the cleaning operation. This mechanical intermediary overcomes signal attenuation by using direct physical contact rather than light transmission through water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical detection system with a mechanical guidance system that uses physical contact between the guide device and the pool wall. This substitution eliminates the signal attenuation problem inherent in optical sensors by using mechanical principles of friction and contact.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect wall edge, then detection capability is provided, but detection distance is limited reducing effectiveness in narrow areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the mechanical guide device and distance sensor specifically at the side of the robot that contacts the wall, rather than using omnidirectional sensing. This localized sensing approach provides sufficient detection capability for wall-following operation without requiring long detection distance.
3Productivity
If robot maintains distance from wall during cleaning, then cleaning coverage is provided, but cleaning effectiveness in narrow areas like corners and wall edges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the robot's position relative to the wall by using a mechanical guide device that can contact the wall and allow the robot to dynamically adapt its distance from the wall. This enables the robot to get closer to the wall in narrow areas while maintaining appropriate distance in open areas, optimizing both coverage and precision.
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 cleaning efficiency and effectiveness in narrow areas by accurately identifying and maintaining proximity to the pool wall, improving stability and continuity of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
driving the swimming pool robot to move forward by a sliding friction generated by the guide device and the swimming pool wall
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for a swimming pool robot to clean along a wall edge, including when a task of cleaning along the wall edge is performed, determining a distance between the swimming pool robot and a swimming pool wall; determining whether the distance between the swimming pool robot and the swimming pool wall matches a target distance when moving along the wall edge, and when the distance does not match the target distance, controlling the swimming pool robot to turn a preset angle towards the swimming pool wall, and driving the swimming pool robot to move forward; determining whether the guide device touches the swimming pool wall, and when the guide device touches the swimming pool wall, driving the swimming pool robot to move forward, until the distance between the swimming pool robot and the swimming pool wall matches the target distance.