Coverage robots and associated cleaning bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous coverage robots lack an effective method for detecting when their cleaning bins are full, leading to inefficient operation and potential interruption of autonomous tasks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bin-full detection system using a signal emitter and receiver within the cleaning bin, where the accumulation of debris blocks the signal, triggering a bin full indicator, and a controller monitors the signal to determine the need for service, allowing for human perceptible indicators and remote communication of service requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If no bin-full detection system is implemented, then the robot structure remains simple, but the robot cannot autonomously detect when the cleaning bin is full leading to inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a simple optical detection system using an emitter and detector. The emitter emits light through the bin wall, and the detector receives the light. When debris accumulates in the bin, it blocks the light path, causing the detector to sense the change and trigger a bin-full indication. This optical system is significantly simpler than mechanical sensors while achieving autonomous detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the bin wall itself as an intermediary medium for light transmission. The emitter is positioned on one side of the bin wall and the detector on the other side, utilizing the bin wall as a passive optical conduit. This eliminates the need for separate optical channels or complex mounting structures, reducing overall system complexity while enabling autonomous detection.
2Productivity
If a bin-full detection system is implemented, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with a simple optical detection system using an emitter and detector. The emitter emits light through the bin wall, and the detector receives the light. When debris accumulates in the bin, it blocks the light path, causing the detector to sense the change and trigger a bin-full indication. This optical system is significantly simpler than mechanical sensors while achieving autonomous detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes the bin's own structure (the bin wall) as part of the detection mechanism. The bin wall serves as the medium through which light passes, eliminating the need for separate detection chambers or additional structural components. This self-service approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining productivity benefits.
3Measurement precision
If the emitter and receiver are disposed on opposite sides of the bin, then the entire bin volume can be monitored, but the bin design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bin wall serves multiple functions: it contains the debris, provides structural support, and acts as an optical conduit for the detection system. By making the bin wall multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate optical channels or complex mounting structures, thereby reducing design complexity while achieving comprehensive monitoring of the entire bin volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the bin wall itself as an intermediary medium for light transmission. The emitter is positioned on one side of the bin wall and the detector on the other side, utilizing the bin wall as a passive optical conduit. This eliminates the need for separate optical channels or complex mounting structures, reducing overall system complexity while enabling autonomous detection.
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 the robot to autonomously detect when the cleaning bin is full, ensuring uninterrupted operation by initiating service requirements and providing human perceptible indicators for maintenance, thereby enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver is configured to receive a signal emitted by the emitter. The emitter and the receiver are disposed such that a threshold level of accumulation of debris in the sweeper bin blocks the receiver from receiving emissions from the emitter.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning assembly housing and at least one driven sweeper brush. The robot includes a controller and a removable sweeper bin configured to receive debris agitated by the driven sweeper brush. The sweeper bin includes an emitter disposed on an interior surface of the bin and a receiver disposed remotely from the emitter on the interior surface of the bin and configured to receive an emitter signal. The emitter and the receiver are disposed such that a threshold level of accumulation of debris in the sweeper bin blocks the receiver from receiving emitter emissions. The robot includes a bin controller disposed in the sweeper bin and monitoring a detector signal and initiating a bin full routine upon determining a bin debris accumulation level requiring service.