Rotating Multi-Receiver Obstacle Sensing for Cleaning Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning robots face limitations in detecting obstacles in various directions due to high costs and reduced durability associated with the use of laser scanners and position-sensitive diode (PSD) sensors, which often require tilting operations that delay simultaneous detection and reduce product longevity.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning robot equipped with a light emitter and multiple light receivers rotatably fixed on a support plate, utilizing a controller to detect obstacles based on output signals and rotation information, allowing for obstacle detection in multiple directions without the need for tilting operations, thereby enhancing detection capabilities while maintaining cost-effectiveness and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laser scanner is used as the obstacle sensing part, then the cleaning robot can detect obstacles in various directions, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle sensing part is segmented into multiple light receivers (first light receiver, second light receiver, etc.) arranged at different positions and angles. Each light receiver detects obstacles in a specific direction, collectively providing comprehensive multi-directional detection capability without requiring an expensive laser scanner.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple light receivers are combined into a single obstacle sensing part that functions collectively. The first light receiver, second light receiver, and other light receivers work together to achieve comprehensive obstacle detection in various directions, replacing the need for a laser scanner while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single PSD sensor is used, then the cost is reduced, but simultaneous detection of obstacles in multiple directions cannot be achieved and detection delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single PSD sensor is replaced with multiple light receivers (first light receiver, second light receiver, etc.) that are spatially segmented and positioned at different locations. This segmentation enables simultaneous detection of obstacles in multiple directions without requiring sequential sensor tilting, thereby maintaining low cost while improving detection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single sensor that must sequentially scan different directions, the system employs multiple light receivers that simultaneously detect obstacles in their respective directions. This excessive action (using more sensors than a single PSD) eliminates detection delay while keeping each individual sensor simple and inexpensive.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single PSD sensor is used, then the cost is reduced, but the durability is lowered due to tilting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle sensing function is segmented across multiple fixed light receivers instead of a single tilting PSD sensor. Each light receiver remains stationary and detects obstacles in its specific direction, eliminating the mechanical tilting operation that causes wear and reduces durability, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a single sensor move (tilt) to detect different directions, the invention inverts the approach by having multiple sensors fixed at different positions. The detection capability is achieved through the spatial arrangement of multiple stationary light receivers rather than through movement of a single sensor, thereby eliminating mechanical wear.
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 efficient detection of obstacles from multiple directions, preventing increases in cost and durability issues, allowing the cleaning robot to effectively navigate its environment without the need for complex and costly tilting mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter configured to radiate light; a plurality of light receivers configured to receive a radiation of the light in a predetermined direction among radiations of the light reflected from an obstacle when the radiated light is reflected from the obstacle
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a cleaning robot and a method of controlling the same, and more specifically, a cleaning robot provided to detect an obstacle in various directions and a method of controlling the same. The cleaning robot includes a light emitter configured to radiate light, a plurality of light receivers configured to receive a radiation of the light in a predetermined direction among radiations of the light reflected from an obstacle when the radiated light is reflected from the obstacle, a support plate to which the light emitter and the light receiver are fixed and which is rotatably provided, and a controller configured to detect the obstacle on the basis of output signals transmitted from the light emitter and the plurality of light receivers and rotation information of the support plate.