Robot vacuum cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face inaccuracies in obstacle detection due to indirect distance measurement methods and limited sensing range, particularly struggling to recognize obstacles with height variations, leading to potential collisions or jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner equipped with two pattern emission units positioned at upper and lower levels, emitting light patterns that intersect, allowing for more comprehensive obstacle detection and calibration, enabling the device to accurately map and navigate around obstacles of varying heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single light source module emits light in a cross-shaped pattern toward the floor, then the robot cleaner can detect obstacles in the zone to be cleaned, but the range within which obstacles may be sensed is limited and obstacles higher than the light source module cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the light emission system by providing both an upper light source module emitting downward and a lower light source module emitting upward. This dimensional expansion allows the robot cleaner to detect obstacles at multiple heights simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of the single-level cross-shaped pattern and enabling comprehensive stereoscopic obstacle recognition.
2Device complexity
If the robot cleaner uses indirect distance measurement based on traveling distance, then the system is simple, but inaccuracies in measuring travel distance result in errors in determining obstacle location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical-based indirect distance measurement method with an optical measurement system. By using light patterns emitted from upper and lower light source modules and analyzing their reflections from obstacles, the system directly measures obstacle distance and height, eliminating cumulative errors from travel distance measurement while providing precise spatial information.
3Productivity
If the robot cleaner emits light in a cross-shaped pattern toward the floor, then the system can map the zone to be cleaned, but obstacles with height variations cannot be recognized and the robot may collide or become jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds vertical dimensionality to obstacle detection by implementing upper and lower light source modules. This enables the system to recognize the stereoscopic shape of obstacles and detect height variations, allowing the robot cleaner to safely navigate through spaces of varying heights and avoid collisions or jamming while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
4Device complexity
If a single light source module is used, then the device structure is simple, but the range within which obstacles may be sensed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent expands the sensing coverage area by introducing a vertical dimension to the light source configuration. The upper light source module covers lower obstacles and floor areas, while the lower light source module covers higher obstacles and upper wall areas. This multi-level arrangement significantly increases the total sensing coverage area compared to a single light source module.
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
Enhances obstacle detection accuracy and prevents jamming by providing concrete information about obstacles, allowing the robot cleaner to safely navigate through spaces of varying heights and recognize stereoscopic shapes.
Implementation Method 1
a first pattern emission unit provided on the main body and configured to emit a first pattern of light downwards to the predetermined area
Implementation Method 2
a second pattern emission unit provided on the main body at a position below the first pattern emission unit and configured to emit a second pattern of light upwards to the predetermined area
Implementation Method 3
capturing an image of the emitted light, extracting the pattern from the captured image
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot cleaner of the present disclosure includes a main body configured to travel in a zone to be cleaned and to suction foreign substances from a floor in the zone to be cleaned, an image acquisition unit provided on the main body and configured to capture an image of a predetermined area ahead of the main body, a first pattern emission unit provided on the main body and configured to emit a first pattern of light downwards to the predetermined area, and a second pattern emission unit provided on the main body at a position below the first pattern emission unit and configured to emit a second pattern of light upwards to the predetermined area.