Robot Vacuum Fan Speed Control for Corner Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot vacuum cleaners struggle to effectively clean spatially delimited regions such as corners without specific hardware modifications, as their limited vacuuming power and existing designs fail to provide satisfactory results.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves a robot vacuum cleaner autonomously increasing its fan rotation speed before reaching a spatially delimited region, such as a corner, using sensor feedback to boost vacuuming power temporarily, allowing improved cleaning without hardware changes, and adjusting back to normal speed after leaving the region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If robot vacuum cleaners use limited vacuuming power for general cleaning, then energy consumption is reduced and noise is minimized, but cleaning effectiveness in corner regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fan rotation speed adjustable and time-dependent. The control facility dynamically changes the fan rotation speed from a first speed during general cleaning to a second, higher speed when approaching corner regions, and back to the first speed after leaving. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize vacuuming power specifically when needed for corner cleaning while maintaining lower power consumption during general cleaning areas.
2Power
If robot vacuum cleaners increase fan rotation speed continuously, then vacuuming power is improved, but noise disturbance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using intermittent high-power bursts only when needed. The control facility periodically increases fan rotation speed to the higher second speed specifically when the sensor facility detects approach to corner regions, and reduces it back to the lower first speed when leaving these regions. This periodic high-power action provides necessary cleaning power in difficult-to-reach areas while minimizing noise disturbance during general cleaning periods.
3Ease of operation
If robot vacuum cleaners use D-shaped housing with offset suction mouth, then corner accessibility is improved, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters (fan rotation speed) rather than changing the physical structure (housing shape). The control facility adjusts the fan rotation speed parameter dynamically based on proximity to corner regions detected by the sensor facility. This approach achieves improved corner accessibility through software-controlled parameter adjustment, avoiding the need for complex D-shaped housing designs with offset suction mouths.
4Productivity
If robot vacuum cleaners use rotating side brushes, then dirt removal from walls is improved, but corner cleaning completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the sensor facility to detect when the robot vacuum cleaner is approaching corner regions and conveying this information to the control facility. The control facility then responds by increasing the fan rotation speed to the higher second speed. This feedback mechanism ensures that increased vacuuming power is applied reliably when needed for complete corner cleaning, compensating for the limitations of rotating side brushes in reaching into corners.
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
This method enhances cleaning efficiency in difficult-to-reach areas like corners without altering the vacuum cleaner's hardware, reducing noise disturbance and being adaptable to various robot vacuum configurations through software adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a first vacuuming power with a first fan rotation speed; increases the first fan rotation speed to a second, higher fan rotation speed so that the fan has a second, higher vacuuming power
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improved cleaning of a spatially delimited region by using a robot vacuum cleaner having a fan, includes increasing a fan rotation speed of the robot vacuum cleaner, and therefore increasing a vacuuming power, shortly before reaching the region. The fan rotation speed is reduced again after leaving the region, so that increased power and increased noise emission only occur in the delimited region. A robot vacuum cleaner with a sensor facility, a fan and a computer facility for carrying out the method, is also provided.