Robot Cleaner Docking Signals for Reflection-Free Guidance
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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 and in distinguishing docking signals from reflected waves, which can lead to undesired movement.
Innovation Solution
A docking station that forms non-overlapping docking guide areas on either side of a central docking area, using distinct signal amplitudes and delay times to differentiate between docking guide areas, and a robot cleaner that moves along the boundary between these areas to accurately dock, with the ability to measure signal periods to distinguish docking signals from reflected waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overlapping docking signals are used to guide the robot cleaner, then the robot cleaner can be guided to the docking position, but the robot cleaner cannot distinguish between docking signals and reflected waves, leading to undesired movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic modulation of the infrared docking signals with distinct frequencies or time patterns. The transmitting unit emits signals with specific periodic characteristics that allow the receiving unit to distinguish direct docking signals from reflected waves by analyzing the periodic patterns, thereby preventing undesired movement while maintaining reliable docking guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes signal parameters such as frequency, amplitude, or time delay to differentiate between docking signals and reflected waves. By encoding spatial information and signal origin through parameter variations, the system enables the robot cleaner to accurately distinguish signal types without increasing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple docking signals are transmitted to cover different areas, then the robot cleaner can be guided from various positions, but the docking signals overlap and cause confusion in area differentiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different signal characteristics to different spatial zones around the docking station. Each docking guide area has unique signal properties (such as different frequencies, amplitudes, or modulation patterns) that correspond to its specific location. This allows the robot cleaner to determine its position and the area it is in by receiving and analyzing the local signal characteristics, preventing confusion even when multiple signals are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the docking guidance space into distinct non-overlapping signal zones. Each zone is covered by a dedicated transmitting unit or signal pattern that does not interfere with adjacent zones. This segmentation ensures that the robot cleaner receives unambiguous area information from each zone without confusion from overlapping signals from other areas.
3Reliability
If the robot cleaner measures signal period to detect reflected waves, then undesired movement is prevented, but the docking process takes more time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary signal exchange and recognition protocols before the actual docking maneuver. The receiving unit performs quick period measurements and signal validation in advance to confirm it is receiving legitimate docking signals rather than reflected waves. This preliminary verification prevents undesired movement while minimizing time loss by establishing the signal authenticity early in the docking sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical verification processes with electronic signal analysis methods. Instead of using complex mechanical sensors or multiple verification steps, the system uses electronic measurement of signal periods and patterns to quickly distinguish docking signals from reflected waves, maintaining high reliability while reducing docking time.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, prevents the robot cleaner from moving in undesired directions by clearly distinguishing docking signals from reflected waves, and allows for quick area information checking by containing multiple pieces of area information in a single docking guide signal, enhancing the docking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
two infrared lights are emitted to a center area of the charging section to overlap each other
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
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.