Rotating Laser Obstacle Sensing for Low-Cost Cleaning Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning machines have complex structures and high costs, limiting their widespread adoption and popularity due to increased production expenses.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning machine design featuring a laser module, rotary table, and reflecting portion that allows for 360-degree obstacle detection using a rotating laser system, enabling automatic route selection and collision avoidance with a simplified structure and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional cleaning machines use complex structures and multiple sensors to detect obstacles and calculate room size, then the cleaning capability and automation level are improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser emitting component, rotating mechanism, and reflecting portions into an integrated laser detection system. The rotary table rotates the reflecting portions to enable 360-degree obstacle detection and room size calculation, merging multiple functions (obstacle detection, room mapping, navigation) into a single unified system that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The laser detection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects obstacles, calculates room size, determines cleaning routes, and provides collision avoidance. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors and processing units, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving extensive automation features
2Measurement precision
If conventional cleaning machines mount multiple sensors and intelligent chips for obstacle detection and route calculation, then the cleaning intelligence and automation are improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor arrays with an optical laser detection system. The laser module emits light that reflects off obstacles and returns to the detector, enabling precise obstacle detection and room size calculation through optical measurements rather than mechanical sensing, thereby reducing component costs while maintaining or improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses laser light as a virtual copy or representation of the physical space being scanned. By emitting laser beams and analyzing the reflected light, the system creates a digital model of the environment (room size, obstacle positions) without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical measurement devices, reducing manufacturing costs while achieving accurate spatial measurement
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 enables a cost-effective and market-competitive cleaning machine capable of efficiently navigating and cleaning spaces by detecting obstacles and calculating room size, enhancing its cleaning capabilities and user appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting terminal 21 of the laser module 20 emits a light signal out of the body 10. The receiving terminal 22 of the laser module 20 receives the light signal reflected by an obstacle 200
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning machine includes a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a laser module mounted on the first surface of the body and having a transmitting terminal and a receiving terminal, a rotary table mounted on the first surface of the body and rotating about the laser module. Further comprising a reflecting portion connected with the rotary table, the reflecting portion along with the rotary table rotates collectively about the laser module. The transmitting terminal of the laser module emits a light signal, the reflecting portion reflects the light signal out of the body, the receiving terminal receives the light signal reflected by an obstacle.