Apparatus and methods for semi-autonomous cleaning of surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-autonomous cleaning devices face challenges such as inaccurate object sensing, difficulty in navigating around obstacles, inefficient path planning, and limited ability to reach corners and tight spaces, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A semi-autonomous cleaning robot equipped with a frame, a drive system, and an electronic system that includes a processor to redefine paths based on sensor signals, allowing for efficient navigation and effective cleaning of surfaces by using omni-directional wheels and a cleaning assembly that can engage surfaces to transfer detritus to a storage volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a robot travels along a predetermined path, then the path can be defined in advance, but the robot cannot adapt to unexpected obstacles and may become unrecoverable without user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path redefinition by allowing the robot to modify its predetermined path in real-time based on sensor detections. The processor continuously monitors sensor inputs and automatically adjusts the path parameters, transforming a static predetermined path into a dynamic adaptive trajectory that can respond to unexpected obstacles while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensor data about the environment and obstacles is continuously fed back to the processor. This feedback loop enables the robot to detect deviations from the predetermined path caused by obstacles and automatically recalculate and redefine the path, ensuring the robot can adapt to changing conditions without user intervention.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If object-sensing methods such as sonar are used, then the robot can detect obstacles, but the sensing can be limited, inaccurate, and difficult to program
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing methods beyond just sonar to create a comprehensive detection system. By merging different sensor types (including but not limited to sonar, optical sensors, and other detection devices), the system overcomes the limitations of individual sensing methods and achieves both accurate obstacle detection and precise measurement, while reducing programming complexity through integrated sensor processing.
3Extent of automation
If a robot is configured to operate in a semi-autonomous manner, then tasks can be automated, but optimal design and control still present challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs self-navigation and self-path-redefinition using its onboard sensors and processor. The system autonomously detects obstacles, calculates alternative paths, and adjusts its trajectory without requiring external control or complex centralized management. This self-service capability maintains high automation while simplifying the overall control architecture by distributing intelligence to the robot itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a frame, a drive assembly supported by the frame, an electronic system supported by the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to the frame. The drive assembly is configured to move the frame along a surface. The cleaning assembly is configured to engage the surface to transfer detritus from the surface to a storage volume supported by the frame. The electronic system has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a path along which the drive assembly travels and is configured to redefined a path along which the drive assembly travels based on at least one signal received from at least one sensor.