Robot cleaner and robot system having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners require a separate module to detect the state of the water tank and transmit detection information, leading to increased cost and complexity in monitoring water supply abnormality and turbidity for the rotary mop.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating turbidity and water level sensors within the water tank that adjust the output current of the drive motor based on detection signals, allowing the robot cleaner to determine water supply abnormalities and contamination without a separate sensing module, and alerting the user through changes in the motor's output current pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate module is used to detect the state of the water tank and transmit detection information, then the detection function is reliable, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water tank detection function with the existing rotary mop drive motor control system. The controller that already controls the rotary mop motor is extended to also process detection signals from sensors (turbidity sensor and water level sensor) integrated in the water tank. This eliminates the need for a separate detection module and its associated transmission system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability through the unified controller.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated in the water tank, then the detection precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the drive motor controller for the rotary mop and as the detection signal processor for the water tank sensors. This universal controller approach allows the system to achieve precise detection of water turbidity and level without requiring separate specialized detection hardware, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements for sensor integration while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Extent of automation
If the output current of the drive motor is varied according to sensor detection signals, then the automation extent is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control where the controller continuously receives detection signals from the turbidity sensor and water level sensor, and adjusts the output current to the drive motor accordingly. When the water tank is full or water quality is poor, the controller modifies motor operation or alerts the user, creating an automated feedback loop that improves automation extent while managing energy consumption through intelligent control rather than continuous high-power operation.
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 cleaner to detect water supply abnormalities and turbidity issues directly, reducing costs and operational complexity while providing effective alerts to users, allowing for timely water replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a water tank configured to contain water and include a plurality of sensors including a turbidity sensor and a water level sensor
Implementation Method 2
a water tank configured to contain water and include a plurality of sensors including a turbidity sensor and a water level sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner includes a main body, a water tank including a turbidity sensor and a water level sensor, and a pair of rotary mops configured to move the main body while rotating in contact with a floor. A drive motor rotates the pair of rotary mops and a nozzle supplies water from the water tank to the rotary mop. A rotary mop controller varies an output current of the drive motor based on signals from the water tank sensors. A controller determines whether the water tank is contaminated based on the output current of the drive motor received from the rotary mop controller.