Rotating Optical Obstacle Sensing for Multi-Direction Cleaning Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 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 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, using 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 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 patent replaces expensive laser scanners with multiple PSD sensors that are more cost-effective. Each PSD sensor is a relatively simple, inexpensive component that can be disposed of or replaced easily, achieving the same obstacle detection function without the high cost of laser scanning technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the obstacle detection function into multiple segments by using several PSD sensors positioned at different locations and angles. Each sensor handles a specific detection zone, and together they provide comprehensive multi-directional obstacle detection capability that replaces the need for expensive laser scanners
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 patent segments the detection task across multiple PSD sensors positioned at different locations and orientations. This allows simultaneous detection of obstacles in multiple directions without requiring a single sensor to tilt or scan, eliminating detection delays while keeping costs low
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple fixed PSD sensors arranged dynamically at different angles and positions to achieve multi-directional detection. This static multi-sensor configuration replaces the need for dynamic tilting of a single sensor, enabling simultaneous detection without mechanical movement delays
3Device complexity
If a single PSD sensor is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the durability decreases due to required tilting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function across multiple fixed PSD sensors, eliminating the need for tilting mechanisms. Each sensor remains stationary and points in a fixed direction, removing mechanical wear and improving durability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single sensor that tilts to scan different directions, the patent inverts the approach by using multiple fixed sensors positioned to cover different directions simultaneously. This eliminates the tilting mechanism and its associated durability issues while achieving the same detection capability
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 in multiple directions without increasing costs or reducing durability, allowing the cleaning robot to effectively navigate its environment while maintaining robust performance.
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.