Robot Cleaner Docking Guidance Using Non-Overlapping Signal Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaner systems face challenges in guiding the robot to a docking position without overlapping docking signals and in distinguishing docking signals from reflected waves, which can lead to incorrect navigation and inefficient docking processes.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner system with a docking station that forms non-overlapping docking guide areas using distinct docking signals with varying amplitudes and delay times, allowing the robot cleaner to move along the boundary between these areas and accurately dock by measuring signal periods and analyzing data bits within the docking signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If overlapping docking signals are used to guide the robot cleaner, then the robot can detect the docking area, but the robot cannot accurately distinguish between docking signals and reflected waves, leading to incorrect navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The docking guide areas are divided into non-overlapping first and second docking guide areas with distinct boundaries. Each area has its own dedicated docking guide signal transmission, eliminating signal overlap and enabling the robot to accurately identify its location and navigate to the docking station without confusion between docking signals and reflected waves.
Solution Approach 2:
Different docking guide areas are assigned different signal characteristics (first docking guide signal for the first area, second docking guide signal for the second area). This local differentiation allows the robot to distinguish between signals from different areas and accurately identify the docking area boundary, improving navigation reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple docking signals are transmitted to cover different areas, then comprehensive area coverage is achieved, but the signals overlap and cause confusion in signal interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The docking guide areas are segmented into non-overlapping first and second areas, each with its own dedicated signal transmission. This segmentation ensures comprehensive coverage while maintaining clear signal distinction, as each area's signal is transmitted only in its designated zone without interfering with other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station acts as an intermediary that transmits different docking guide signals to different areas. By using the docking station as a central control point to manage signal transmission to various areas, the system achieves comprehensive coverage while preventing signal overlap and confusion.
3Ease of manufacture
If the robot cleaner uses simple components for docking guidance, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but the system may lack the precision needed for accurate docking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical docking guidance systems with an optical signal-based system. The docking station transmits docking guide signals (light signals) to guide the robot, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors and actuators. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining high docking precision through optical signal detection and processing.
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
The system reduces manufacturing costs by using simple components and prevents the robot cleaner from moving in undesired directions by distinguishing docking signals from reflected waves, enabling quick and accurate area information checking and efficient docking.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a docking guide signal to both sides of a front portion... forms a first docking guide area and a second docking guide area which do not overlap each other
Implementation Method 2
when the docking guide signal is sensed... to move to the docking area along a boundary between the first docking guide area and the second docking guide area
Data Source
Figure 1
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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.