Robot Cleaner Sensor Module Shielding Window Reflection Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners inaccurately sense obstacles due to light reflected from the inner surface of their sensor windows being incident on the light receiving unit, leading to erroneous detection of obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module with a light shielding portion between the light emitting device and the light receiving reflector to prevent light emitted from being reflected from the inner surface of the sensor window, combined with a step portion on the upper frame to enhance obstacle detection at closer distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent sensor window is provided to allow light transmission, then light can be emitted outside and received from obstacles, but light reflected from the inner surface of the sensor window is incident on the light receiving unit causing erroneous obstacle sensing
Solution Approach 1:
A light shielding portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the light emitting unit and the sensor window. This light shielding portion blocks the harmful reflected light from reaching the light receiving unit, while allowing the useful light transmitted through the sensor window to reach the obstacle and return to the sensor. The light shielding portion thus mediates between the light emission function and the obstacle detection function, preventing erroneous sensing.
2Reliability
If a light shielding portion is added to block reflected light, then erroneous sensing is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding portion is merged with the existing sensor module structure, specifically integrated with the housing or mounting structure of the light emitting unit. Rather than being a separate, standalone component, the light shielding portion is combined with structural elements already present in the sensor module, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still achieving the function of blocking reflected light.
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 solution prevents erroneous obstacle sensing and allows the robot cleaner to accurately detect objects, improving its navigation and cleaning efficiency by ensuring accurate obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting device to emit light outside through the sensor window
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving reflector on which light emitted from the light emitting device and reflected from the obstacle is incident
Implementation Method 3
a light shielding portion interposed between the light emitting device and the light receiving reflector to block the light emitted from the light emitting device from being reflected from an inner surface of the sensor window and incident upon the light receiving reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module and a robot cleaner including the sensor module may provide accurate sensing of an obstacle and prevent an erroneous sensing of an obstacle. The robot cleaner may include a body including a cleaning unit to remove foreign substances from a surface of a floor, a cover to cover an upper portion of the body, a sensor module including an obstacle sensor mounted to sense an obstacle, and a sensor window provided at one side of the sensor module. The sensor module may include a light emitting device to emit light through the sensor window, a light receiving reflector on which light reflected from the obstacle is incident, and a light shielding portion interposed between the light emitting device and the light receiving reflector to block the light emitted from the light emitting device from being incident upon the light receiving reflector.