Self-propelled floor processing device with an optical distance measuring device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled floor processing devices face challenges in accurately detecting obstacles at both close and long distances using optical triangulation devices, as the geometric arrangement optimized for one range is not suitable for the other, leading to difficulties in navigating environments with varying dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two separate triangulation devices, one optimized for close distances (up to 5 meters) and another for long distances (up to 15 meters), each with its own light source, receiver, and lens, arranged either at different height levels or in a linear configuration, allowing for independent beam paths and shared components like a rotating plate and evaluation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single triangulation device is used to detect obstacles, then the device can be compact with reduced installation space, but it cannot accurately detect obstacles at both close and long distances due to geometric arrangement limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single triangulation device into two separate triangulation devices: a first triangulation device optimized for close distance detection (0.2-5m) and a second triangulation device optimized for long distance detection (5-15m). Each device has its own light source, light receiver, and lens with geometric arrangements specifically optimized for their respective distance ranges, allowing both close and long distance obstacles to be detected with high precision simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the two triangulation devices at different height levels (vertical dimension) within the device housing. The first triangulation device is positioned at a first height level and the second triangulation device is positioned at a second height level, allowing both devices to operate independently without spatial interference while maintaining a compact overall structure
2Measurement precision
If the light receiver is enlarged to improve long distance detection, then long distance obstacles can be detected, but the installation space inside the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large light receiver to cover both distance ranges, the patent segments the detection function into two separate light receivers, each optimized for a specific distance range. The first light receiver is sized appropriately for close distance detection while the second light receiver is sized for long distance detection, avoiding the need for an oversized receiver that would increase installation space
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
This solution enables precise detection of obstacles in both close and long distance ranges, expanding the navigable area from 5 meters to 15 meters, allowing floor processing devices to operate effectively in larger environments such as commercial or industrial spaces without increasing the device's installation space.
Implementation Method 1
Light emitted by the light source hits the obstacle, and at least in terms of reflection shares arrives at the light receiver
Implementation Method 2
The precise position of the light share reflected back to the chip provides information about the distance between the obstacle and the floor processing device. The distance is here determined through triangulation.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled floor processing device with an optical distance measuring device for detecting a distance between the floor processing device and an obstacle in the environment. The distance measuring device has a first triangulation device with a first light source, a first light receiver and a first lens, a second triangulation device with a second light source, a second light receiver and a second lens, and an evaluation device. Each lens bundles light of the light source reflected by an obstacle in the direction of the allocated light receiver, and images it on an imaging location on the light receiver. The evaluation device determines a distance to the obstacle based on the imaging location. The first triangulation device detects an obstacle in a close distance range to the floor processing device, and the second triangulation device detects an obstacle in a long distance range to the floor processing device.