Robot cleaner and method of controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face challenges in performing stable traveling operations, maintaining speed and trajectory consistency, and detecting floor contamination without additional sensors, especially when using rotating mops for mopping.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner equipped with a rolling cleaning module and sensor units that detect changes in position and motor load current to determine contaminated areas, allowing for optimized traveling based on pollutant position and floor type without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot cleaner uses rotating mops disposed in the leftward-rightward direction for traveling, then the mopping operation can be performed, but the frictional forces generated between the rotating mops and the floor frequently change, making it difficult for the robot cleaner to travel straight
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional modules: rotating mops for mopping operation and rolling members for stable traveling. This segmentation allows each module to perform its dedicated function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between mopping capability and traveling straightness
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling members serve dual purposes: they provide stable traveling motion and simultaneously perform cleaning function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate rotating mops that caused friction instability, while maintaining both traveling and cleaning capabilities
2Ease of operation
If the robot cleaner is configured to move using the surfaces of a pair of left and right mops, then the mopping operation can be performed, but the traveling speed and trajectory are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses independently controllable rolling members that can dynamically adjust their rotation speeds and directions. This dynamic control enables the robot cleaner to achieve various traveling speeds and trajectories while maintaining stable motion, unlike the restricted movement of conventional mop-based systems
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
Enables stable and varied traveling motions, effective mopping operations, and contamination detection, improving cleaning efficiency and adaptability to different floor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling cleaning module including a rolling member configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from a left side while in contact with a floor
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit including a plurality of sensors, and a controller configured to detect a change in the position of the robot cleaner and a change in the load current of a motor connected to the rolling member
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner includes a rolling cleaning module including a rolling member configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from a left side while in contact with a floor, a sensor unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a change in position of the robot cleaner and a change in load current of a motor connected to the rolling member based on data detected by the sensor unit, and determine that a specific area of the floor is a contaminated area when there is a change in the position and a change in the load current.