Coverage Robot Sweeper Bin Optical Fullness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous coverage robots lack an effective method for detecting when their cleaning bins are full, which can lead to inefficient operation and the need for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bin-full detection system using a combination of an emitter and a receiver within the cleaning bin, where the accumulation of debris blocks the signal, triggering a bin-full indicator, and a controller that monitors the signal difference to determine when the bin needs servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a bin-full detection system is implemented, then the automation level and operational efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual bin fullness checking with an automated optical detection system. An emitter generates light signals that pass through the bin, and a receiver detects these signals. When debris accumulates to block the light path, the system automatically triggers a bin-full indication, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is required to check bin fullness, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity and operational efficiency decrease due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system enables the bin to self-monitor its own fullness status. The emitter and receiver continuously check for debris accumulation, and the system automatically generates a bin-full signal when needed, without requiring external manual intervention. This allows the robot to maintain continuous operation and only pause when genuinely necessary.
3Measurement precision
If the emitter and receiver are positioned to monitor the entire bin volume, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple sensors distributed throughout the bin volume, the patent employs a single light path that traverses the bin horizontally. The emitter and receiver are positioned on opposite sides of the bin, creating a detection plane that effectively monitors the entire bin width. This one-dimensional approach provides sufficient detection accuracy while maintaining simple system geometry and minimal component count.
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 solution allows for automatic detection of bin fullness, enabling the robot to interrupt its operation and alert the user, thereby improving efficiency and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver is configured to receive a signal emitted by the emitter. The emitter and the receiver are disposed such that a threshold level of accumulation of debris in the sweeper bin blocks the receiver from receiving emissions from the emitter.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning assembly housing and at least one driven sweeper brush. The robot includes a controller and a removable sweeper bin configured to receive debris agitated by the driven sweeper brush. The sweeper bin includes an emitter disposed on an interior surface of the bin and a receiver disposed remotely from the emitter on the interior surface of the bin and configured to receive an emitter signal. The emitter and the receiver are disposed such that a threshold level of accumulation of debris in the sweeper bin blocks the receiver from receiving emitter emissions. The robot includes a bin controller disposed in the sweeper bin and monitoring a detector signal and initiating a bin full routine upon determining a bin debris accumulation level requiring service.