Robot Cleaner Base-First Navigation for Orderly Low-Cost Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot cleaners face challenges with high costs and technical thresholds in using SLAM algorithms, and low-cost solutions based on gyroscopes struggle with accuracy and efficiency in complex environments, leading to random and inefficient cleaning patterns.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling robot cleaning that involves a series of steps using proximity principles to systematically clean regions, starting from a charging base and expanding outward, selecting uncleaned areas based on navigation distance and direction, and performing planned regional cleaning in a predetermined trajectory form to ensure thoroughness and orderliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SLAM algorithms are used for navigation, then navigation accuracy and map building capability are improved, but cost and technical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive SLAM algorithms with a simpler, more affordable navigation system based on gyroscopes and basic sensors. While SLAM provides high accuracy, it comes with substantial cost and complexity. The patent accepts moderate navigation accuracy in exchange for dramatically reduced technical complexity and cost, making robot cleaners accessible to a broader market.
2Device complexity
If random cleaning algorithms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning efficiency and targetability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by first building a complete map of the cleaning area using simple sensors and gyroscopes, then planning an optimal cleaning trajectory in advance. This preliminary mapping and trajectory planning allows the robot to efficiently target uncleaned areas without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms, thus maintaining low algorithmic complexity while significantly improving cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the robot continuously monitors its cleaning progress by comparing the current position and cleaned areas against the pre-built map. This feedback allows the robot to adjust its trajectory and target uncleaned regions systematically, improving cleaning efficiency without requiring complex adaptive algorithms.
3Ease of manufacture
If gyroscopes are used for navigation, then cost is reduced, but navigation accuracy and map building capability worsen in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation task into distinct phases: mapping phase (building the environment model) and cleaning phase (executing trajectories). By separating these functions, the system can use simple gyroscopes for motion tracking during cleaning while relying on the pre-built map for position estimation, thereby maintaining low cost while achieving acceptable navigation accuracy through functional decomposition.
4Productivity
If the robot cleans areas far from charging base first, then cleaning coverage is improved, but collision risk with charging base increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mapping of the entire cleaning area before execution, allowing the system to identify and mark the charging base location and surrounding restricted zones in advance. During trajectory planning, the system automatically avoids these pre-identified areas, enabling comprehensive cleaning coverage while eliminating collision risks through advance preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling cleaning of a robot, a chip and a robot cleaner. In the method for controlling cleaning of a robot, when the robot is located at a position of a charging base, the robot is controlled to clean a preset region around the charging base first, and then a cleaning restricted zone is formed, such that the robot will not enter the restricted zone in the subsequent cleaning process.