Robot Cleaner Charging Station with Optical Docking Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot cleaner systems face challenges in achieving accurate autonomous charging, as existing charging stations lack efficient homing and docking mechanisms, and the utilization of virtual walls is limited in both charging and access restriction functions.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner system with a charging station equipped with light emitting devices for homing and docking guidance, and virtual walls that can be stacked to form a charging station, allowing for simultaneous charging and flexible use in either charging or access restriction modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a charging station is designed with traditional docking mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the docking precision and homing accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium between the charging station and robot cleaner. The charging station emits optical signals that guide the robot cleaner to the correct docking position, enabling precise homing and docking without complex mechanical positioning mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by using light as a mediator to achieve high precision while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical docking mechanisms with an optical guidance system. Instead of relying on complex mechanical structures for positioning, the system uses optical signals to guide the robot cleaner to the correct position, thereby achieving high docking precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual walls are used only for access restriction, then the device function is simple, but the utilization efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes virtual walls multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as access restriction barriers and as mobile charging stations. When a virtual wall encounters a robot cleaner needing charging, it can autonomously return to the base station, charge itself, and then continue its boundary-marking function. This allows the same device to perform multiple functions without increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual wall is equipped with autonomous charging capability, allowing it to service itself by returning to the base station to recharge when its battery is low. This self-service feature eliminates the need for separate charging infrastructure for virtual walls, maintaining simple system configuration while enhancing versatility.
3Extent of automation
If the robot cleaner autonomously travels to charge, then the automation level is high, but the docking accuracy is difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an optical feedback mechanism where the charging station emits signals that the robot cleaner detects and uses for positioning. The robot cleaner continuously receives optical feedback from the charging station, allowing it to adjust its position in real-time to achieve accurate docking, thereby ensuring high docking accuracy while maintaining full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical signals serve as an intermediary communication channel between the charging station and robot cleaner during the autonomous charging process. These signals provide real-time guidance information that enables the robot cleaner to navigate and dock accurately without human intervention, resolving the contradiction between automation and precision.
4Reliability
If separate charging devices are provided for virtual walls, then the charging reliability is high, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging function for virtual walls into the existing base station infrastructure. The base station serves as the charging point for both robot cleaners and virtual walls, eliminating the need for separate charging devices. This consolidation maintains charging reliability through the proven base station system while reducing overall system complexity.
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
The system enables accurate and efficient autonomous charging of robot cleaners while allowing virtual walls to be used in their original function or for charging, enhancing the robot cleaner's operational capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting device configured to output an optical signal for inducing a docking of the robot cleaner, a second light emitting device and a third light emitting device configured to output an optical signal for inducing a homing of the robot cleaner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A robot cleaner system includes a first light emitting device to output an optical signal for inducing a docking of the robot cleaner, a second light emitting device and a third light emitting device to output an optical signal for inducing a homing of the robot cleaner, and disposed at left and right of the first light emitting device, respectively, and a light emitting device fixing member to set position and direction of the first, second and third light emitting devices.