Mobile Robot Floor Sensing for Adaptive Cleaning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robots face challenges in efficiently adapting their cleaning operations to varying floor environments due to fixed operation speed settings, which hinder effective cleaning performance and responsiveness to changes in floor conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for sensing the floor environment in real-time by acquiring current values from motors, calculating statistical feature values, and adjusting operation parameters such as brush motor and suction force based on determined floor environment modes to optimize cleaning efficiency and adapt to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed operation speed settings are used for cleaning modules, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning efficiency and adaptability to varying floor environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment of cleaning modules based on real-time floor environment detection. The control unit automatically modifies operation speeds of side brushes, main brush, and suction module according to detected floor types (hard floor, carpet, tile, etc.), transitioning from fixed to adaptive speed control to optimize cleaning efficiency across varying surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously detect floor environment characteristics and transmit this information to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts cleaning module speeds accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing floor conditions during operation
2Ease of operation
If fixed operation speed settings are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different floor environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robot performs self-adjustment of cleaning module speeds without user intervention. The control unit automatically detects floor environments through sensors and modifies operation parameters independently, enabling the system to serve itself in adapting to varying conditions while maintaining operational simplicity for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (speeds of cleaning modules) based on detected floor environment characteristics. Different floor types trigger different speed settings for side brushes, main brush, and suction module, allowing the robot to adapt its cleaning performance to match specific surface requirements
3Productivity
If maximum operation speed is maintained for all cleaning modules, then cleaning coverage speed is improved, but energy consumption and motor load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies partial speed adjustment by increasing speeds of specific cleaning modules only when floor environment conditions require enhanced cleaning capability. Instead of maintaining maximum speed for all modules universally, the system selectively accelerates individual modules based on real-time detection, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
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 approach enables mobile robots to dynamically adjust their cleaning operations based on sensed floor environments, enhancing cleaning efficiency and responsiveness to changes, thereby improving overall cleaning performance and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a measured current value acquiring step of acquiring a current value measured from a motor which is equipped in a mobile robot to operate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a mobile robot operation control method based on floor environment sensing and an apparatus therefor. The mobile robot operation control method based on floor environment sensing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a measured current value acquiring step of acquiring a current value measured from a motor which is equipped in a mobile robot to operate, a statistical feature value calculating step of calculating at least one statistical feature value based on the current value, a floor environment sensing step of sensing a final floor environment mode by comparing at least one statistical feature value and a predetermined determination reference value, and an operation control step of controlling an operation of the mobile robot based on a sensing result of the final floor environment mode.