Sensor-Based Steering Assembly for Precise Floor Cleaner Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machines lack efficient and precise control over speed and steering, which can lead to difficulties in navigating complex floor layouts and maintaining consistent cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly that includes a deformable frame member and a sensor system to detect operator-applied forces, allowing for independent control of each drive wheel motor based on deformation, enabling precise steering and speed adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual steering or differentiated wheel speed control is used, then the machine can navigate floor areas, but the control precision and navigation accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated sensor-based control system. Sensors detect the machine's position and orientation, and this information is processed to automatically adjust wheel speeds, substituting mechanical manual control with an automated electromechanical system that achieves higher precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor the machine's actual position and orientation, compare it with the desired trajectory, and automatically adjust the differential wheel speeds to correct deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism significantly improves steering precision and navigation accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If independent motor control of each driving wheel is implemented, then steering precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified control system that handles both steering and speed control through a single sensor-based control algorithm. The same sensors and control logic manage both the differential steering and speed regulation, reducing overall system complexity despite using independent motor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines steering control and speed control into a single integrated control system. Rather than having separate systems for steering and speed management, the sensor data is processed to simultaneously control both wheel speeds and steering angle, simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Productivity
If sensor-based automated control is used, then navigation accuracy and cleaning performance consistency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service control system where the machine autonomously navigates and adjusts its own operation based on sensor feedback. The system automatically detects obstacles, plans paths, and adjusts wheel speeds without external intervention, improving cleaning efficiency while the integrated nature of the system keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensors to detect and process information about the environment in advance, allowing the control system to plan and adjust the machine's trajectory and speed before actual navigation challenges arise. This preliminary detection and planning capability improves navigation accuracy and cleaning performance consistency.
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
Enables precise control over the direction and speed of the floor cleaning machine, improving navigation and cleaning efficiency by allowing for real-time adjustments based on operator input.
Implementation Method 1
A spring extends between the frame member and the hand manipulable pivot member. The spring is positioned and configured to exert a force on the frame member in response to pivotal movement of the hand manipulable pivotal member.
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is coupled to the elongated frame member to detect deformation of the frame member due to exerted forces by the spring.
Data Source
AI summary
A floor cleaning machine having a speed control and steering member which operates under operator-applied deformation thereof. The invention provides improved consumer convenience at steering and/or speed control.