Robot Cleaner Docking Signals With Non-Overlapping Guide Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaner systems face challenges in guiding the robot cleaner to a docking position without overlapping docking signals, which can lead to confusion and incorrect direction, and in distinguishing docking signals from reflected waves.
Innovation Solution
A docking station is designed to form non-overlapping docking guide areas on either side of a central docking area, using distinct signal amplitudes and delay times to differentiate between areas, and a robot cleaner that moves along the boundary between these areas to accurately dock, with the ability to distinguish docking signals from reflected waves by measuring signal periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple docking signals are transmitted to cover different areas, then the docking guide coverage is improved, but the signals overlap and cause confusion for the robot cleaner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different characteristics (amplitude and delay time) to docking signals transmitted to different areas. The left and right docking guide areas receive signals with distinct amplitudes, while the central docking area receives signals with distinct delay times. This allows each area to be identified uniquely without signal overlap confusion, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and reliable signal distinction.
2Loss of information
If the robot cleaner uses reflected waves for navigation, then the docking guidance is improved, but the robot cannot distinguish docking signals from reflected waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by using distinct amplitude and delay time parameters for docking signals compared to reflected waves. Docking signals have specifically controlled amplitude levels and delay times that differ from the characteristics of reflected waves. This parameter differentiation enables the robot cleaner to reliably distinguish actual docking signals from reflected waves, preventing navigation errors while maintaining effective docking guidance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the docking station uses multiple transmission units for different areas, then the docking precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing transmission units that can perform multiple functions. Each transmission unit is capable of transmitting signals with different amplitudes and delay times depending on the target area. This multi-functionality allows the docking station to achieve precise docking guidance for multiple areas using a reduced number of transmission units, thereby improving docking precision while controlling device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot cleaner system is described including a docking station to form a docking area within a predetermined angle range of a front side thereof, to form docking guide areas which do not overlap each other on the left and right sides of the docking area, and to transmit a docking guide signal such that the docking guide areas are distinguished as a first docking guide area and a second docking guide area according to an arrival distance of the docking guide signal. The robot cleaner system also includes a robot cleaner to move to the docking area along a boundary between the first docking guide area and the second docking guide area when the docking guide signal is sensed and to move along the docking area so as to perform docking when reaching the docking area.