Robot Cleaner Constraint Prevention Filter for Obstacle Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot cleaners face challenges such as being constrained by obstacles due to increased suction power, difficulty in distinguishing between avoiding and climbing obstacles, and repeated constrainment by the same object, which reduces cleaning efficiency and area coverage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a robot cleaner with a constraint prevention filter and a controller that classifies obstacles as avoiding or climbing types, allowing for appropriate operation methods based on obstacle types, and storing obstacle data to avoid continuous constrainment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If suction power is increased to clean larger obstacles, then cleaning capability is improved, but the robot cleaner becomes constrained by the obstacle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction powerVSAvoidconstraint prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is positioned in front of the agitator to preemptively block obstacles before they can be sucked into the cleaning nozzle, preventing the robot from becoming constrained before the suction action occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filter acts as an intermediary element between the suction inlet and the agitator, selectively allowing air particles to pass while blocking larger obstacles that could cause constraint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the robot cleaner avoids all obstacles, then it prevents constrainment, but the cleaning area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstraint preventionVSAvoidcleaning area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is positioned locally at the front of the agitator rather than as a complete barrier, allowing the robot to maintain suction capability while providing localized protection against obstacles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the robot cleaner does not distinguish obstacle types, then the system is simple, but it cannot optimize navigation strategy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection systemVSAvoidobstacle response capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter provides preliminary protection against all obstacles regardless of type, preventing constrainment before the robot needs to respond, while the controller subsequently classifies obstacles for optimized navigation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3779354B1Robot cleaner having constraint prevention filter
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3779354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3779354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3779354B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a robot cleaner having a filter for preventing the cleaner from being constrained by an obstacle. The robot cleaner, according to the present invention, comprises a constraint prevention filter arranged so as to face the front with respect to an agitator, and thus the robot cleaner may be prevented from being constrained as a result of an obstacle being stuck on a cleaning nozzle. In addition, the present invention relates to a depth sensor control system enabling the depth of an object being measured to be accurately measured by controlling the amount of light received by a sensor. The depth sensor control system, according to the present invention, measures, at a light-receiving part, the intensity and frequency of an infrared (IR) ray reflected from an object being measured, and controls the amount of light on the basis of a histogram created on the basis of the measurement, and thus enables depth information of an object to be accurately measured without using separate additional equipment.