Robot vacuum cleaner and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners are inefficient in removing foreign materials stuck to surfaces and have high battery consumption due to increased frictional force from dustcloth attachments, which also limits effective dustcloth cleaning and obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner with a pair of rotation members that utilize torques as a power source for movement, allowing for effective dustcloth cleaning and obstacle detection, with a control method that adjusts rotation based on traveling mode and obstacle presence, minimizing sensor requirements and improving battery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dustcloth is attached to a conventional robot cleaner for damp cloth mopping, then the cleaner can remove scattered dust, but foreign materials stuck to the surface cannot be effectively removed and battery consumption increases due to increased frictional force
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a conventional wheeled robot cleaner that moves across the surface, the invention inverts the approach by using rotating members that press against the surface to generate movement. The rotation members with dustcloths attached create friction with the surface, and this friction is utilized to propel the robot cleaner forward, converting the previously harmful frictional force into a useful driving force. This resolves the contradiction by making the dustcloth attachment beneficial for both cleaning and movement while reducing battery consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dustcloth is attached to a conventional robot cleaner, then damp cloth mopping is enabled, but the cleaning scheme remains simple and foreign materials stuck to the surface are not effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by using rotating members instead of a static dustcloth attachment. The rotation members spin at controlled speeds and can adjust their rotation based on cleaning needs and obstacle detection. This dynamic approach allows the dustcloth to effectively scrub stuck foreign materials from surfaces while maintaining adaptability for different cleaning scenarios, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and cleaning effectiveness.
3Speed
If a conventional robot cleaner uses a separate thrust for moving the wheel, then movement is achieved, but battery consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they perform dustcloth cleaning by pressing against the surface and generate the thrust needed for movement through friction with the ground. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate driving wheels and thrust mechanisms, reducing the number of components and significantly lowering battery consumption while maintaining full movement capability. The same rotating members that clean the surface also propel the robot forward.
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 effectively removes foreign materials stuck to surfaces, improves battery efficiency, and enhances dustcloth cleaning performance while reducing the risk of getting caught by obstacles, all while minimizing sensor usage and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional force between the robot cleaner and the ground is increased due to a dustcloth surface, such that a separate thrust for moving a wheel is further required
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for controlling a robot cleaner includes: a step of controlling at least one of a first rotation member and a second rotation member to rotate depending on a traveling mode to travel the robot cleaner in a specific proceeding direction; a step of identifying whether or not an obstacle is detected from a sensor corresponding to the proceeding direction of the robot cleaner; and a step of rotating at least one of the first rotation member and the second rotation member depending on whether or not the obstacle is detected.