Semi-Autonomous Floor Cleaner with Sensor-Based Parameter Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-autonomous cleaning devices lack adaptability to changing environments and floor types, leading to suboptimal cleaning performance, particularly on Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT) flooring, which requires frequent and costly polishing to maintain appearance.
Innovation Solution
A semi-autonomous cleaning apparatus with adjustable cleaning parameters, utilizing sensors and machine learning algorithms to detect floor types and shininess, allowing for optimized cleaning or polishing settings, including structured light sensors, RGB cameras, and LED light sources for real-time gloss detection, enabling frequent light burnishing upkeep.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional dumb cleaning systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing environments and floor types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect floor type and shininess, then feeds this information back to the control system which automatically adjusts cleaning parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables adaptation without requiring complex manual programming or intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system performs self-adjustment of cleaning parameters based on sensor detection of floor conditions. The device serves itself by automatically adapting to different floor types and adjusting its operation without external control, reducing the need for complex external management systems.
2Reliability
If frequent polishing is performed to maintain floor appearance, then floor appearance is improved, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs light burnishing operations periodically at frequent intervals to maintain floor appearance, replacing the need for rare intensive polishing sessions. This periodic maintenance approach keeps floors looking good with minimal time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full intensive polishing, the system applies partial action through light burnishing that is sufficient to maintain appearance. This excessive light action prevents the need for more intensive corrective polishing later.
3Productivity
If intensive burnishing operations are performed less frequently, then labor costs are reduced, but floor appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary light burnishing actions regularly to prevent floor appearance from deteriorating. By taking preliminary maintenance actions, it avoids the need for intensive corrective operations, reducing overall labor costs while maintaining appearance.
4Manufacturing precision
If cleaning parameters are fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning performance optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed cleaning parameters to dynamic adjustable parameters that change based on detected floor conditions. The control system automatically adjusts cleaning parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback, optimizing performance without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes cleaning parameters (such as speed, pressure, or scrubbing intensity) based on detected floor type and conditions. This automatic parameter adjustment optimizes cleaning performance for different surfaces without requiring complex manual configuration.
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 system effectively optimizes cleaning performance by adapting to specific floor types and conditions, reducing labor and maintenance costs while maintaining floor appearance, and extending the time between intensive burnishing operations.
Implementation Method 1
Floor shininess can also be detected by measuring the reflection of a light source (i.e., LED strip) by a camera sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of a semi-autonomous cleaning apparatus with adjustable cleaning parameters. A floor cleaning system of a semi-autonomous cleaning apparatus adapts the cleaning parameters by way of one or more control systems in order to optimize cleaning performance in the specific context and application of operation. Using sensors, the front or rear sensing modules of the semi-autonomous cleaning apparatus can detect different floor types and adjust the parameters accordingly prior to initiating a cleaning or polishing plan for regular floors and VCT floor finishes. Floor shininess can also be detected by measuring the reflection of a light source (i.e., LED strip) by a camera sensor. Machine learning algorithms can be used to enable floor cleaning or floor polishing.