Robotic Vacuum Laser Backscatter Dirt Detection for Adaptive Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic vacuum cleaners face challenges in accurately detecting and characterizing debris, leading to inefficient cleaning routes and performance variations across different areas, as existing sensors struggle to predict and adapt to varying debris concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A light-based debris detection system within the robotic vacuum's conduit uses light emitters and high-speed sensors to measure light scattering, allowing for real-time tracking of debris particles and calculating a scaling factor to adjust cleaning settings and routing based on historical data, enabling targeted cleaning and energy-efficient operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing optical detectors and photointerrupters are used for debris detection, then the system can detect dust presence, but the blower speed adjustment lags behind the sensor detection, causing the cleaner to miss dirty areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements predictive algorithms that analyze sensor data trends to anticipate future debris conditions. The system performs preliminary actions by pre-adjusting blower speed based on predicted debris accumulation patterns, rather than reacting to current sensor readings alone. This eliminates the lag between detection and appropriate response.
2Measurement precision
If light sensors are positioned within the conduit to detect debris, then real-time debris detection is achieved, but the sensors become occluded by dust build-up, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference light path that serves as an intermediary measurement. This reference path measures the baseline light transmission through the conduit without direct debris exposure. By comparing the primary debris-detection path against this reference path, the system compensates for sensor occlusion and maintains accurate measurements despite dust accumulation on sensor surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor output and implements feedback mechanisms to detect drift caused by occlusion. When the reference light path shows changes indicating sensor contamination, the system automatically compensates by adjusting measurement baselines or triggers maintenance alerts, ensuring long-term reliability without requiring frequent manual cleaning.
3Measurement precision
If numerous light emitters and high-speed sensors are used to characterize debris particles, then accurate particle speed and size determination is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light detection function into multiple discrete light paths, each optimized for specific measurement purposes. Instead of using one complex sensor array, the system divides the measurement task into separate optical channels that can be independently optimized and calibrated. This modular segmentation achieves comprehensive particle characterization while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional decomposition.
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 system effectively identifies high-debris areas, adjusts cleaning settings, and optimizes routing to improve debris collection efficiency, ensuring thorough cleaning and energy conservation, even with limited battery power.
Implementation Method 1
Light sensors, which are also positioned within the conduit are configured to detect portions of the light that are scattered by debris particles passing through the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes various methods and apparatus for detecting and characterizing debris pickup during a cleaning operation. A debris detection sensor is described capable of counting the number of particles retrieved by a robotic vacuum during the cleaning operation and associating particles identified with particular areas. The location information can be obtained using various sensors on-board the robotic vacuum. In some embodiments, a cleaning operation can be rerouted when senor readings from the debris detection sensor deviate from historical sensor readings by a predetermined amount.