robot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot cleaners face challenges in optimizing autonomous driving and obstacle avoidance due to suboptimal configurations of sensing units, which affect their performance in recognizing positions and detecting obstacles effectively.
Innovation Solution
The robot cleaner incorporates a combination of sensing units, including a laser-based first sensing unit for 360-degree obstacle detection, an inclined camera-based second sensing unit for lateral and upward direction capture, ultrasonic wave-emitting third sensing units for front obstacle detection, and a depth-image-capturing fourth sensing unit, all merged by a control unit for comprehensive environment recognition and obstacle avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing units are applied to improve autonomous driving and obstacle avoidance performance, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into four distinct sensing units, each positioned at specific locations (upper surface, upper edge portion, front surface) and configured to detect different areas and types of obstacles. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in specific detection tasks, improving overall detection precision while managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensing unit is disposed to be inclined with respect to both the side surface and upper surface of the cleaner body, creating a three-dimensional sensing arrangement. This inclined configuration enables detection in multiple spatial dimensions (lateral and upward directions), enhancing obstacle detection capability by adding dimensional coverage beyond simple planar arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensing units are arranged to detect all surrounding areas, then obstacle detection coverage is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensing unit is configured with specific local qualities suited to its position and detection task. The first sensing unit protrudes to detect obstacles at upper levels, the second sensing unit is inclined for lateral and upward detection, the third sensing unit uses ultrasonic waves for front area detection, and the fourth sensing unit captures front images. This local optimization of sensing characteristics at each position achieves comprehensive coverage while managing detection complexity through specialized configurations.
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 configuration enhances autonomous driving and obstacle avoidance capabilities by complementing detection functions across different areas and methods, improving performance in complex environments and enhancing detection of previously undetectable objects.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensing unit protruding from an upper surface of the cleaner body to irradiate a laser to surroundings of the cleaner body so as to detect obstacles located at the surroundings of the cleaner body
Implementation Method 2
a third sensing unit disposed on the front surface of the cleaner body to detect obstacles located at surroundings in front of the cleaner body using ultrasonic waves reflected after being emitted to the surroundings in front of the cleaner body
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner comprises a cleaner body provided with a control unit; a first sensing unit which protrudes from the upper surface of the cleaner body, and emits laser at surroundings of the cleaner body to detect obstacles located around the cleaner body; a second sensing unit which is inclined relative to side surfaces and an upper surface of an upper edge portion of the cleaner body, and captures images in both lateral and upward directions of the cleaner body; a third sensing unit which is disposed on a front surface of the cleaner body, transmits ultrasonic waves to the surroundings in front of the cleaner body, and then uses the reflected ultrasonic waves to detect obstacles located in front of the cleaner body; and a fourth sensing unit which is disposed on the front surface of the cleaner body, and captures images in front of the cleaner body.