Cleaning device and method for controlling same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning devices struggle to efficiently control suction ports, particularly in environments with obstacles or varying inclinations, which affects their ability to effectively clean surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device equipped with sensors and a method to control the suction port by determining and adjusting the open/close target area based on the relative location of objects and the device's orientation, using a combination of partitions and a driver to manage suction force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the suction port is kept fully open to maximize cleaning coverage, then the cleaning area is improved, but the suction force decreases when encountering obstacles or inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port is divided into multiple independently controllable regions through partitions. Each partition can be adjusted to open or close specific areas, allowing the system to segment the suction port into active and inactive zones. This enables selective opening of only the necessary portions to maintain suction force while preserving adequate cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitions are designed to be dynamically adjustable based on real-time environmental conditions. The control unit receives sensor data about obstacles and inclines, then dynamically repositions partitions to optimize the suction port configuration. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to transition between maximizing coverage and maximizing suction force as needed.
2Force
If partitions are added to control the suction port areas, then the suction force control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partitions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they divide the suction port into controllable regions, acts as structural support elements, and can be integrated with sensor mounting positions. The control unit that manages partition positioning also handles other navigation and cleaning control functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and minimizing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the suction port is adjusted frequently to adapt to obstacles, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases due to adjustment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect obstacles and inclines in advance, allowing the control unit to pre-calculate the optimal partition configuration before the cleaning device actually encounters the challenging area. Partitions are adjusted proactively based on predicted conditions rather than reactively after problems arise, reducing unnecessary adjustment operations and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from sensors about the cleaning environment and monitors suction performance. Based on this real-time feedback, the system makes precise, minimal adjustments only when and where needed, rather than frequently reconfiguring partitions. This feedback-driven approach optimizes adaptability while minimizing adjustment time and operations.
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 device can effectively increase suction force in challenging areas by closing or opening specific parts of the suction port, improving cleaning efficiency even when encountering obstacles or changing inclinations.
Implementation Method 1
Robot cleaners suck a material through a suction port by using a suction force generated by a fan motor included therein
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cleaning device including a suction port; at least one sensor configured to sense at least one object; a driver configured to open or close the suction port; a memory storing at least one instruction; and a processor configured to execute the at least one instruction stored in the memory. The processor executes the at least one instruction to sense at least one object within an area to be cleaned by the cleaning device by controlling the at least one sensor, identify a relative location of the sensed at least one object with respect to the cleaning device, determine at least a partial area within an entire area of the suction port as an open/close target area, based on the identified relative location of the at least one object, and open or close the open/close target area by controlling the driver.