Robot Mop Module Tilt Detection for Separation and Leakage Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners are unable to accurately detect when their mop modules are separated or obstructed, leading to unnecessary power consumption, potential scratches on the floor, and water leakage during wet cleaning.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tilt information acquisition unit and a load information acquisition unit to determine if the mop modules are separated or obstructed, allowing the cleaner to perform specific error response operations and adjust its water supply accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cleaner keeps trying to travel after mop separation, then the cleaner maintains autonomous operation capability, but unnecessary power consumption occurs and floor surfaces may be scratched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the tilt information acquisition unit continuously monitors the cleaner's tilt state and provides information to the controller. When the controller detects a tilt exceeding the threshold (indicating mop separation), it automatically stops the driving operation, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents energy waste and floor damage while maintaining autonomous operation.
2Productivity
If the cleaner supplies water without detecting mop separation, then the water supply system operates continuously, but water leakage occurs causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives real-time tilt information from the tilt information acquisition unit and uses this feedback to control the water supply unit. When the tilt exceeds the threshold (mop separation detected), the controller automatically stops water supply, preventing water leakage while maintaining the wet cleaning capability when the mop is properly attached.
3Measurement precision
If the cleaner uses additional sensors to detect mop separation and obstruction, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tilt information acquisition unit serve multiple functions: it detects both mop separation (by monitoring tilt threshold) and mop obstruction (by monitoring tilt changes during movement). This multi-functional use of a single sensor reduces device complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy for different mop status conditions.
4Device complexity
If the cleaner determines mop status during movement only, then the control system operates simply, but it cannot detect separation when the cleaner is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control algorithm that adapts the detection threshold and evaluation criteria based on the cleaner's movement state. When stationary, the system uses a fixed tilt threshold to detect separation. When moving, the system dynamically adjusts to account for movement-induced tilts, enabling accurate detection in both static and dynamic conditions without overly complicating the control system.
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 cleaner can accurately recognize the status of its mop modules, preventing power wastage, scratches, and water leakage, while ensuring efficient operation and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt information acquisition unit configured to acquire tilt information of the body in relation to the floor
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed is a cleaner capable of autonomously traveling while performing a mopping task, the cleaner including: a body which defines an exterior appearance of the cleaner; at least one mop module which has at least one mop provided in contact with a floor, and which supports the body against the floor; and a tilt information acquisition unit configured to acquire tilt information of the body in relation to the floor. At least one specific part may comprise the at least one mop, may be a whole or part of the at least one mop module, and may be defined such that the at least one specific part is provided detachable from other parts of the cleaner except for the at least one specific part and that the body tilts in relation to the floor due to gravity while the at least one specific part is separated from the other parts. The cleaner may further comprises a controller which is configured to: based on at least the tilt information, determine satisfaction or unsatisfaction of a predetermined separated condition that is preset to be satisfied when the specific part is separated from the other parts; and, when the detachments condition is satisfied, control a predetermined mop separation error response operation.