Robot Cleaner Mop Water Control Using Slip-Rate Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners with rotation mops face issues in adjusting the water supply rate, leading to either excessive or insufficient water on the cleaning surface, which affects cleaning efficiency and the robot's movement, as existing technologies do not effectively control the water content rate in relation to the floor type and slip rate.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner system that includes a controller to measure the slip rate and water content rate, using a water tank, pump, and floor detection unit to adjust the water supply based on the floor material and slip rate, ensuring optimal water application for effective cleaning and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the rotation mop receives excess water, then the cleaning surface becomes overly wet, but the floor cannot be properly cleaned and becomes unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The controller measures the slip rate of the rotation mop and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the water supply rate. When the slip rate indicates excessive water (mop slipping), the controller reduces water supply; when the slip rate indicates insufficient water (excessive friction), the controller increases water supply. This closed-loop feedback system maintains optimal water levels for effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the water supply parameter based on the measured slip rate. By continuously adjusting the water supply rate according to real-time slip rate measurements, the system adapts to varying cleaning conditions and floor types, optimizing the water quantity applied to the rotation mop.
2Quantity of substance
If the rotation mop receives insufficient water, then the cleaning surface remains relatively dry, but the floor is not properly cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses slip rate measurements as feedback to detect when the rotation mop is receiving insufficient water. When excessive friction is detected (indicating dry mop), the controller increases the water supply rate to restore optimal cleaning conditions and maintain high cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts water supply based on its own performance measurements (slip rate) without external intervention. The rotation mop's own slipping behavior serves as the sensor signal that triggers water supply adjustments, enabling self-regulating optimal water application.
3Quantity of substance
If improper water adjustment is made, then the water content rate becomes uncontrolled, but the robot cleaner cannot move correctly and efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The controller measures the slip rate (difference between expected and actual rotation mop rotation) and uses this feedback to control water supply. This ensures the water content rate is continuously adjusted to maintain optimal movement efficiency, preventing both slipping and excessive friction that would reduce speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual water supply adjustment with an automated control system that uses slip rate measurements. The controller automatically regulates water supply based on measured slip rate, eliminating the need for mechanical manual adjustment and enabling precise, dynamic water content control that maintains movement efficiency.
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 allows for precise control of water supply to the rotation mop, enhancing cleaning efficiency by matching water content to the floor type, thereby improving the robot's movement and cleaning performance without the need for a separate water content rate sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation mop that rotates and moves the main body
Implementation Method 2
a pump that supplies water to the spin mop
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a robot cleaner. The robot cleaner of the present application includes: a main body which forms an external shape; a water tank which stores water; a rotation mop which is in contact with a floor while rotating and moves the main body; a drive motor which rotates the rotation mop; a motion detection unit which measures a reference motion of the main body when the rotation mop rotates; and a controller which measures a slip rate based on an actual speed of the main body measured by the motion detection unit in the reference motion and an ideal speed of the main body estimated according to driving of the drive motor, and controls an amount of water supplied to the rotation mop.