Cleaning Robot Mopping Control for Carpet And Foot Pad Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous cleaning robots are ineffective in mopping regions such as carpets and non-mopping areas like foot pads outside bathrooms or kitchens, leading to secondary pollution and inefficient cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning robot equipped with a fluid applicator, in-position sensor, and control system that detects and avoids non-mopping regions by planning a cleaning path and using a navigation apparatus to retreat from unsuitable areas, preventing secondary pollution and improving user experience and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the robot mops all regions including carpets and foot pads, then the cleaning coverage is increased, but secondary pollution is caused and cleaning effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining non-mopping regions (such as carpets and foot pads) in the cleaning map before the robot begins cleaning. The control system uses these pre-set region definitions to proactively avoid applying cleaning fluid to unsuitable surfaces, thereby preventing secondary pollution before it can occur while still maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage of appropriate areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating between different types of regions in the cleaning area. The control system applies different cleaning strategies to different zones: full mopping for hard floors, complete avoidance for carpets and foot pads. This localized approach ensures that cleaning actions are appropriate for each specific region's characteristics, preventing harm while maintaining effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the robot avoids non-mopping regions, then secondary pollution is prevented, but cleaning efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by pre-loading the cleaning map with non-mopping region definitions before cleaning operations begin. This allows the robot to navigate and plan its cleaning path efficiently, avoiding unnecessary movements and fluid application attempts in restricted zones, thereby maintaining high productivity while preventing secondary pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the robot continuously monitors its position relative to the cleaning map and non-mopping regions. The control system uses this real-time position feedback to dynamically adjust the cleaning path and fluid application, ensuring efficient navigation around restricted areas without sacrificing overall cleaning productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the robot continuously detects fluid storage apparatus position, then cleaning path accuracy is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent detection of the fluid storage apparatus position rather than continuous monitoring. The in-position sensor detects the water tank's presence at scheduled intervals or at critical transition points during cleaning operations. This periodic detection maintains sufficient cleaning path accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
The cleaning robot includes a chassis; a fluid applicator carried on the chassis and configured to distribute a cleaning fluid on at least part of a cleaning width; a fluid storage apparatus detachably connected to the chassis, wherein the fluid storage apparatus is in communication with the fluid applicator and configured to apply the cleaning fluid distributed by the fluid applicator to a ground; an in-position sensor disposed in a recess of chassis in which the fluid storage apparatus is mounted and configured to detect whether the fluid storage apparatus is in position and report an in-position state signal of the fluid storage apparatus to a control system; and the control system carried on the chassis and configured to plan a cleaning path according to in-position state signal of the fluid storage apparatus and control fluid applicator to distribute the cleaning fluid according to the cleaning path