Robotic Floor Mopping Liquid Release Control Using Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robotic floor cleaning devices lack a controlled mechanism for releasing mopping liquid, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to uncontrolled leakage, and often require additional equipment and maintenance for controlled dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A motorized mechanism with a rotatable cylinder and aperture system, controlled by a processor that releases liquid only under predetermined conditions such as movement, floor type, or user input, ensuring efficient and controlled liquid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controlled liquid release mechanism is implemented, then liquid leakage is prevented and efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the robot's existing motion state sensors and processor to control liquid release, allowing the device to serve itself without external intervention. The processor automatically determines when to release liquid based on motion detection, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid release control function is merged with the existing motion sensing and processing systems. The same processor that controls navigation and cleaning also manages liquid release, combining multiple functions into a single control unit to minimize added complexity.
2Ease of operation
If additional equipment is added for controlled dispensing, then liquid release control is improved, but maintenance requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing components (motion sensors, processor, pump motor) to provide liquid release control without requiring separate control equipment. The robot's existing brain processes sensor data and activates the pump, making the system self-sufficient and reducing maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor serves multiple functions including navigation, cleaning control, and liquid release management. The motion sensors are used for both navigation and determining appropriate liquid release timing, making existing components multi-functional to avoid additional equipment.
3Productivity
If liquid is released continuously, then cleaning coverage is improved, but liquid consumption increases and waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous liquid release, the system uses periodic dispensing triggered by motion events. Liquid is released at specific intervals when motion is detected, providing adequate cleaning coverage while significantly reducing overall liquid consumption compared to continuous release.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid release rate and timing are dynamically adjusted based on real-time motion detection. The system releases liquid only when and where needed during movement, adapting the dispensing pattern to actual cleaning requirements rather than using a fixed continuous rate.
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 provides a controlled and efficient release of mopping liquid, reducing waste and maintenance needs, while ensuring safe operation by preventing liquid release when not required, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of the robotic cleaning device.
Implementation Method 1
releasing, with an electronically-controlled liquid release mechanism disposed on the robot, liquid from the liquid reservoir onto a work surface of the robot
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a mopping robot, including: storing, with a liquid reservoir disposed on the robot, liquid; releasing, with an electronically-controlled liquid release mechanism disposed on the robot, liquid from the liquid reservoir onto a work surface; receiving, with an application of a communication device, user input designating at least a schedule for mopping and a quantity of liquid to release during mopping of an area; determining, with a processor of the robot, a schedule for mopping at least one area based on at least one of first sensor data or the user input provided to the application; and determining, with the processor of the robot, a quantity of liquid to release during mopping of the at least one area based on at least one of second sensor data or the user input provided to the application.