Mobile Robot UV Light Protection Through Obstacle-Aware Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mobile robots lack effective protection for their ultraviolet light sources, which can be damaged by objects and may not efficiently prevent the spread of infectious diseases and harmful microorganisms due to limited navigation and obstacle detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with sensors to detect its orientation, location, and proximity to objects, coupled with a controller to manage movement and prevent the UV light source from coming into contact with obstacles, ensuring safe navigation and effective disinfection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mobile robots navigate without specialized protection, then device complexity is reduced, but the UV light source reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects in the path using sensors before the UV light source can potentially collide with them. The controller proactively adjusts the navigation path based on detected objects, preventing damage before it occurs. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through advance protective action without requiring complex protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors and controllers act as intermediaries between the UV light source and potential obstacles. The sensors detect objects and transmit information to the controller, which then adjusts the navigation path. This intermediary system protects the UV light source from damage while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If the mobile robot uses basic obstacle detection, then device complexity is minimized, but the ability to protect the UV light source deteriorates due to limited detection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting objects that could damage the UV light source, determining robot orientation, and tracking robot location. This multi-functional approach enhances UV light source protection without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same sensors serve multiple protective and navigational purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the environment using sensors and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts the navigation path in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures the UV light source is protected from objects while maintaining efficient navigation. The feedback loop enables reliable protection without requiring overly complex sensor systems.
3Reliability
If the mobile robot continuously monitors its path with high precision, then UV light source protection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by monitoring for specific objects that could damage the UV light source rather than continuously analyzing all environmental parameters. The sensors detect objects within a predetermined distance threshold, providing sufficient protection without the energy cost of exhaustive continuous monitoring. This resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable protection through targeted, rather than excessive, monitoring.
Data Source
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AI summary
Implementations of the disclosed subject matter provide a device of a mobile robot may include a motor to drive a drive system to move the mobile robot in an area, and a light source to output ultraviolet light. The device may include at least one first sensor to determine at least one of an orientation of the mobile robot, a location of the mobile robot, and/or when the light source is within a predetermined distance of an object in the area. The device may include a controller, communicatively coupled to the drive system, the light source, and the at least one first sensor to control the drive system so as to stop or move the mobile robot before the light source is within the predetermined distance of the object based on at least a signal received from the at least one first sensor.