Robot Cleaner Position Sensor Cover for Dust-Free Obstacle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners face contamination and accuracy issues due to dust affecting the light transmission and reception units, leading to measurement errors and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transparent member to protect the light transmission and reception units, which are formed using extrusion molding to minimize light distortion and prevent contamination, along with a controller to correct measurement errors based on rotational angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light transmission unit and light reception unit are exposed to the outside, then the position sensor can measure distance to obstacles, but dust contamination occurs on the lens or image sensor
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent protective cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the light transmission/reception units. This cover allows light to pass through while blocking dust particles, thus protecting the lens and image sensor from contamination without interfering with the optical measurement function
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is implemented as a thin, transparent film or shell that covers the light transmission unit and light reception unit. This thin protective layer maintains optical transparency while providing physical protection against dust ingress
2Reliability
If the light transmission unit and light reception unit are exposed to the outside, then the position sensor can detect obstacles, but the durability of the lens or image sensor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent protective cover serves as a mediator that enables the system to maintain obstacle detection reliability while extending the durability of the lens and image sensor by preventing direct exposure to dust and other contaminants in the cleaning environment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a transparent member is added to protect the light units, then contamination is prevented, but light distortion may occur affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent protective cover is designed with specific optical properties tailored for its function - using materials and shapes that minimize light refraction and distortion while maximizing protective coverage. The cover's geometry is optimized to allow light paths to pass through with minimal deviation
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the transparent cover are carefully selected and adjusted - including material refractive index, cover thickness, and surface curvature - to minimize light distortion effects while maintaining effective protection against contaminants
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
Prevents contamination of the position sensor, enhances the durability of the light components, and improves the accuracy of obstacle detection by reducing measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmission unit to emit light toward the obstacle and a light reception unit to receive light reflected or scattered from the obstacle
Implementation Method 2
a light transmission unit to emit light toward the obstacle and a light reception unit to receive light reflected or scattered from the obstacle
Implementation Method 3
a transparent member to transmit the light emitted from the light transmission unit and the light to be received by the light reception unit
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner is disclosed. The robot cleaner includes a cleaner body, a position sensor disposed in the cleaner body, the position sensor including a light transmission unit to emit light and a light reception unit to receive light reflected or scattered from an obstacle after being emitted from the light transmission unit, and a transparent member to transmit the light emitted from the light transmission unit and the light to be received by the light reception unit.