Robot Cleaner Sensor Layout for Narrow Spaces and High Ceilings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face challenges in optimizing the arrangement of sensing units for autonomous driving, particularly in navigating narrow spaces and environments with high ceilings, where direct collisions and limited space hinder effective obstacle detection and image capture.
Innovation Solution
The proposed robot cleaner features a sensing unit positioned adjacent to the bumper with an inclined configuration, allowing capture of both side and upper directions, and an ultrasonic sensing unit on the bumper to detect obstacles, enhancing image information sampling and avoiding collisions, while the bumper absorbs impacts, improving durability and autonomous driving functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensing unit is positioned to capture images in narrow spaces, then the robot cleaner can navigate confined areas, but the sensing unit may collide with obstacles in high-ceilinged environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is configured with a dual-orientation capability: it can capture images in both the side direction and upper direction. This multi-dimensional sensing approach allows the robot to detect obstacles at various heights, enabling reliable navigation in both narrow spaces and high-ceilinged environments without collision
2Strength
If the sensing unit is positioned behind the bumper, then the bumper can absorb impact, but the sensing unit may not capture sufficient image information for autonomous driving
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit positioned behind the bumper is configured to capture images in both side and upper directions simultaneously. This multi-directional imaging capability ensures that despite the protective positioning behind the bumper, the sensing unit still acquires sufficient comprehensive image information for reliable autonomous driving functions
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are applied to improve autonomous driving performance, then the robot cleaner can accurately recognize its location, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple tasks: capturing images for autonomous driving navigation, detecting obstacles in narrow spaces, and monitoring environments with high ceilings. By consolidating these functions into a single sensing unit rather than using separate sensors, the system achieves high measurement precision while minimizing device 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
This arrangement enhances the reliability and accuracy of obstacle detection and image capture, particularly in narrow and high-ceilinged environments, improving the robot cleaner's autonomous driving capabilities and durability by effectively avoiding collisions and capturing comprehensive image information.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensing unit disposed on one surface of a front side of the bumper to detect an obstacle located around the front of the cleaner body using ultrasonic waves reflected after being emitted to a surrounding of the front of the cleaner body
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a control unit for controlling autonomous travelling; a sensing unit arranged to be inclined to the side surfaces and the upper surface of an upper corner portion of the cleaner body and photographing both the side direction and the upper direction of the cleaner body; and a bumper arranged to cover a first half area of the cleaner body and configured, at the time of coming into contact with an obstacle, to be pressed and absorb impact, wherein the sensing unit is arranged behind the bumper.