Robot Navigation to Primary Charging Cradle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intelligent cleaning robots face challenges in returning to a primary charging cradle after completing work, making it difficult for users to locate the robot and determine the starting point for subsequent cleaning tasks, thereby reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled surface-traveling robot system that establishes an area map using a distance measuring device, sets a primary charging cradle manually or automatically, and returns to it after finishing work, allowing users to easily find the robot and prioritize cleaning tasks based on the primary charging cradle's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot searches for a charging cradle at random when finishing working, then the robot can charge, but the user cannot timely find the specific position of the robot, causing the user not to timely determine the starting point and arrange the route of cleaning work, thus decreasing the working efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing an area map and recording the position of the primary charging cradle before the robot needs to return. This pre-established spatial information enables the robot to efficiently navigate back to the designated charging location rather than searching randomly, thereby maintaining both reliable charging and high working efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the recorded position information of the primary charging cradle to guide the robot's return journey. The robot receives feedback about its location relative to the primary charging cradle and adjusts its navigation accordingly, ensuring it returns to the correct position for charging while enabling the user to predictably locate the robot.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple charging cradles are deployed for large-area and multi-space cleaning, then the robot can charge in different locations, but the user cannot determine which charging cradle the robot will use, making it difficult to locate the robot and plan subsequent tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by designating one specific charging cradle as the primary charging cradle with special significance. While multiple charging cradles exist to support multi-space cleaning, the primary charging cradle serves as the main reference point for robot return and user location prediction, giving it a unique role in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The area map and recorded position information act as intermediaries between the multiple charging cradles and the user. Instead of requiring the user to track the robot's real-time position among multiple charging options, the system uses the recorded primary charging cradle position as an intermediary reference that simplifies user understanding and robot location prediction.
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 ensures the robot returns to the primary charging cradle after work, enabling users to locate it easily and optimize cleaning routes, improving the robot's efficiency by setting the primary cradle at a crucial location or high-frequency cleaning area.
Implementation Method 1
the area map is established through the distance data obtained by a laser distance measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A method, applicable in a self-propelled surface-traveling robot system, for returning to a primary charging station, where the robot system comprises a surface-traveling robot and at least two charging stations for charging the robot, comprising the following steps: S1: the robot establishes a map of an area; S2: one of the charging stations is set as the primary charging station and the position of the primary charging station is recorded in the map of the area; and S3: when finishing working, the self-propelled surface-traveling robot returns to the primary charging station according to the position of the primary charging station in the map of the area. In the method, applicable in a self-propelled surface-traveling robot system, for returning to a primary charging station of the present invention, the robot returns to the position of the set primary charging station after it finishes working so that the robot may be found by a user as accustomed at the position of the primary charging station when the robot is not working; and the starting point of the robot for each time working may also be determined, by setting the charging station at an important position where the robot is firstly needed to work as the primary charging station, facilitating arrangement of position for priority work.