Debris signature-based robotic cleaning device navigation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic cleaning devices lack an efficient method to adapt suction power and navigation based on real-time debris measurements, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that operate a robotic cleaning device in two modes: a first mode with low suction power for initial cleaning and a second mode with higher suction power for targeted debris collection, using debris sensors to measure and direct navigation based on debris distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the robotic cleaning device operates at high suction power continuously, then debris collection efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and cleaning coverage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic cleaning device dynamically adjusts suction power between high and low modes based on real-time debris sensor measurements. The system transitions from static high-power operation to dynamic adaptive power control, optimizing the balance between cleaning efficiency and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the suction power parameter based on debris detection results. When debris is detected, the device switches to high suction power mode; when no debris is present, it switches to low suction power mode, thereby adapting the operating parameter to actual cleaning needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the robotic cleaning device operates at high suction power continuously, then debris collection efficiency is improved, but cleaning coverage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic cleaning device dynamically adjusts suction power between high and low modes based on real-time debris sensor measurements. The system transitions from static high-power operation to dynamic adaptive power control, optimizing the balance between cleaning efficiency and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the suction power parameter based on debris detection results. When debris is detected, the device switches to high suction power mode; when no debris is present, it switches to low suction power mode, thereby adapting the operating parameter to actual cleaning needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the robotic cleaning device uses sophisticated localization sensors to avoid re-cleaning areas, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses debris sensor measurements as an intermediary indicator to infer cleaning status. Instead of directly tracking position and detecting re-cleaning areas, the device uses debris detection as a proxy signal to determine whether an area needs cleaning, simplifying the navigation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical localization sensors with a simpler debris detection-based navigation approach. The system substitutes position-tracking mechanics with a sensor-based inference method that uses debris presence/absence to guide cleaning decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method enhances cleaning efficiency by dynamically adjusting suction power and navigation, ensuring thorough coverage and minimizing repeated cleaning of already cleaned areas, without the need for sophisticated localization sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a first suction path along which debris is to be drawn into the robotic cleaner through a first suction port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

measuring, using one or more debris sensors, a respective amount of debris collected through each suction port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDebris detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12207787B2Debris signature-based robotic cleaning device navigation

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

Debris signature-based robotic cleaning device navigation includes operating the robotic cleaning device in a first mode as part of a vacuum cycle, the device including suction ports configurable for different suction power levels and each port having a suction path along which debris entering through the suction port is collected by the device. In the first operating mode the suction ports are operated at a first suction power level. The navigation also includes changing operation of the device to a second mode and in which the suction ports are operated at a greater suction power, measuring a respective amount of debris collected through each suction port, and selecting a direction in which to navigate the robotic cleaning device based on the debris measurements.