Robot Cleaner Auxiliary Brush Fault Detection and Retraction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners lack a mechanism to detect and respond to abnormal operations of their auxiliary cleaning tools, leading to inefficient cleaning due to potential collisions or material resistance, which can cause the tools to malfunction without being recognized.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a system with a main body, first and second detectors, and a controller that monitors the auxiliary cleaner's protrusion and retraction operations, detects errors, and adjusts navigation or operation strength based on detected issues, such as obstacles or floor changes, to maintain efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the auxiliary cleaner is added to improve cleaning performance, then cleaning capability is improved, but the risk of abnormal operation due to collision or material resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the auxiliary cleaner's state before abnormal operation occurs. The second detector continuously monitors the protrusion and retraction states, and the controller calculates rotation counts and current consumption in advance to detect potential issues before they lead to complete failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the auxiliary cleaner's operation through the second detector and adjusting control signals based on detected anomalies. When abnormal operation is detected (such as insufficient rotation counts or excessive current), the controller sends correction signals to maintain proper operation or prevent damage.
2Productivity
If the auxiliary cleaner operates continuously to improve cleaning efficiency, then productivity is improved, but the likelihood of undetected abnormal operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second detector provides continuous feedback on the auxiliary cleaner's operation state, monitoring protrusion and retraction throughout the cleaning process. This enables real-time detection of abnormal operations without interrupting the cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with electronic sensing through the second detector, which uses sensors to detect the auxiliary cleaner's state rather than relying on mechanical switches or physical contact points that may fail or go undetected.
3Ease of operation
If the robot cleaner navigates autonomously to improve ease of operation, then user convenience is improved, but the ability to detect and respond to auxiliary cleaner errors worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it controls the main body navigation, manages the auxiliary cleaner's protrusion and retraction, monitors operation parameters through the second detector, and responds to abnormal conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated error detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing detectors and controllers to monitor and detect auxiliary cleaner abnormalities, rather than requiring entirely separate external monitoring equipment. The second detector and controller work together as an integrated self-monitoring system.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner that automatically removes dust accumulated on a floor while navigating a cleaning area, and a method of controlling the robot cleaner, includes a main body that navigates a floor; a first detector that detects an obstacle getting closer to the main body; an auxiliary cleaner that is mounted on the main body to protrude and retract; a second detector that detects a protrusion state or a retraction state of the auxiliary cleaner; and a controller that determines an abnormal operation of the auxiliary cleaner based on a result of the detection of the second detector and controls a protrusion operation or a retraction operation of the auxiliary cleaner according to a result of the determination.