Robot and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile robots, especially those used for cleaning or assistance, can spread contaminants like liquid substances as they move, due to their self-propelled nature and lack of effective containment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mobile robot equipped with a sensor assembly that detects changes in capacitance without exposing its electrode surface externally, and a structural design that incorporates sensor structures between the robot's housing and cover, allowing for effective detection and containment of liquid contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the robot uses self-propelled movement to perform tasks, then productivity is improved, but contaminants spread along its moving path
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs preliminary actions by detecting contaminants before moving forward using sensor structures positioned at the front. When contaminants are detected, the robot executes preliminary avoidance maneuvers (changing direction or stopping) before the contaminants can spread along its moving path, thus maintaining productivity while preventing contamination spread
2Measurement precision
If the robot exposes sensor electrodes to the outside for contaminant detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor surface becomes vulnerable to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where sensor structures detect contaminants through capacitive coupling with the floor surface without direct contact. The electric field extends between the sensor electrode and the floor, allowing detection of liquid contaminants through changes in capacitance while the sensor electrode itself remains protected inside the housing and does not become contaminated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with an electric field-based capacitive sensing system. Instead of physically touching the floor to detect contaminants, the sensor uses electrical properties (capacitance changes) to detect the presence of liquid contaminants, eliminating mechanical wear and contamination of the sensor surface
3Reliability
If the robot uses a cover structure to protect sensor components, then reliability is improved, but access to sensor structures becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The robot structure is segmented into modular components: the cover is separated from the housing, and sensor structures are positioned in dedicated sensor receiving parts within the housing. This segmentation allows the cover to be removed or opened for easy sensor access while maintaining protection when closed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture
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 enables the robot to prevent the spread of liquid contaminants by detecting their presence and adjusting its movement accordingly, thereby maintaining cleanliness and safety in its operational area.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor assembly capable of detecting a change in capacitance without exposing an electrode surface of a sensor to the outside of the robot
Data Source
AI summary
A robot or a cleaning robot is provided. The robot includes a housing forming an external appearance of the robot, a cover configured to be coupled at a lowermost part of the housing, and at least one or more sensor structures positioned between the housing and the cover. The sensor structure includes a conductive plate and a sensor electrode on the conductive plate.