Sweeping Robot Infrared Docking Layout for Fast Charging Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sweeping robots have difficulty accurately and efficiently returning to a charging station, especially in complex environments, due to slow navigation and low docking success rates, primarily because they rely on simple infrared signal differentiation.
Innovation Solution
A going back and charging system for sweeping robots that employs a charging station emitting differently encoded infrared signals to create six distinct signal regions, combined with strategically positioned infrared receiving tubes on the robot, allowing the robot to navigate towards and accurately dock with the charging station by controlling its movement based on received signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple infrared signal differentiation method is used to determine the charging station direction, then the sweeping robot can be controlled to go back to the charging station, but the speed of going back is slow and the probability of accurate docking is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the infrared signal reception function into six separate receiving tubes positioned at different locations on the robot body. Each tube is responsible for detecting signals from specific directions, enabling the robot to determine its position relative to the charging station more accurately and navigate faster through segmented directional detection rather than relying on a single omnidirectional sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The six infrared receiving tubes collectively perform multiple functions: determining the charging station's direction, calculating the robot's position in the charging area, and guiding navigation. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate systems, achieving both high docking accuracy and fast return speed through a unified sensing architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple infrared signal differentiation method is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the sweeping robot cannot adapt to complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensing function into six directionally-specific receiving tubes, the system gains the ability to detect infrared signals from different directions independently. This segmentation enables adaptation to complex environments where the charging station may be positioned at various angles or where obstacles may block certain directions, while the overall system remains relatively simple in concept.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to infrared signal detection by positioning receiving tubes at different locations and orientations on the robot body. This dimensional approach allows the robot to determine not just the presence but also the direction and relative position of the charging station, significantly improving environmental adaptability without requiring complex processing systems.
3Loss of time
If the sweeping robot uses traditional navigation methods, then the charging time is long, but increasing the number of infrared receiving tubes increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The six infrared receiving tubes are strategically positioned to provide comprehensive directional coverage with minimal components. This segmented approach enables the robot to quickly determine its position and navigate directly to the charging station, significantly reducing charging time while keeping the component count low and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses six receiving tubes, which is more than a single omnidirectional sensor but fewer than what would be required for a full 360-degree camera system. This partial excess provides sufficient directional information for fast navigation and accurate docking without over-engineering the system, achieving optimal balance between speed and complexity.
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 system enables the sweeping robot to quickly and accurately return to the charging station, reducing the charging time and preventing docking issues caused by side brushes, while adapting to complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
a charging station, configured to emit a plurality of differently encoded groups of infrared signals
Data Source
AI summary
A going back and charging system for a sweeping robot and a method for controlling the same are provided. The system includes: a charging station, configured to emit infrared signals to divide an area in front of the charging station into six different signal regions; six infrared receiving tubes; and a going back and charging control device, configured to control the six infrared receiving tubes to be turned on if the sweeping robot needs to be charged, to control the sweeping robot to walk toward the middle near field region if any one of the six infrared receiving tubes receives an infrared signal emitted from the charging station, and to control the sweeping robot to continue to walk until the sweeping robot docks with the charging station successfully if the fifth infrared receiving tube and the sixth infrared receiving tube receive an infrared signal of the middle near field region.