Charging method of robot cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners may remain uncharged due to incorrect manual connection of terminals, leading to battery discharge and reduced operational availability when users fail to ensure accurate alignment of connecting and charging terminals.
Innovation Solution
A charging method for robot cleaners that includes sensing the connected state between terminals, determining the robot's position relative to the charging apparatus using short distance signals and front sensors, and automatically adjusting the robot's position for proper docking and charging, even when manually charged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual charging is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential incorrect terminal connection
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the connection state between connecting terminals and charging terminals. When a disconnection is detected, the system provides feedback by generating a warning signal to notify the user, and can automatically attempt to re-establish the connection, ensuring reliable charging operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot cleaner autonomously detects terminal connection status and performs self-correction by automatically moving to realign terminals when disconnection is detected, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If automatic charging is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages both automatic and manual charging modes, monitors terminal connection status, generates warning signals, and controls automatic position adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Device complexity
If terminal connection is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the connection state between terminals and provides feedback through warning signals when disconnection is detected. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable charging operation without requiring complex additional hardware, as it utilizes the existing control unit's monitoring capabilities.
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
Ensures the robot cleaner is correctly charged by automatically adjusting its position for proper terminal alignment, preventing battery discharge and ensuring timely operation.
Implementation Method 1
determining whether the robot cleaner is positioned in a predetermined range from the charging apparatus by detecting a short distance signal transmitted from the charging apparatus
Implementation Method 2
determining whether the robot cleaner is positioned to face a front of the charging apparatus when it is determined that the robot cleaner at the location close to the charging apparatus is positioned in the predetermined range from the charging apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A charging method of a robot cleaner moved by a user to a location close to a charging apparatus for manual charging is disclosed. The method includes sensing (S11) a connected state between charging terminals of a charging apparatus and connecting terminals of the robot cleaner, confirming (S13; S14) whether the robot cleaner at the location close to the charging apparatus is positioned in a predetermined range from the charging apparatus when the charging terminals and the connecting terminals are separated from each other, and carrying out (S15) an automatic charging mode where the robot cleaner automatically moves and docks with the charging apparatus thus to be charged (S16) with electricity when the robot cleaner is positioned in the predetermined range.