Surface processing device and a method for processing surface areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface processing devices, such as autonomous vacuum cleaners and moppers, are inefficient in covering surfaces with obstacles, particularly corners of angles other than 90 degrees, as they assume a constant form and lack adaptive mechanisms to optimize coverage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A surface processing device equipped with a movable assembly and sensory means that adjusts its position and exposure to the surface area, allowing the surface processing means to change its angular arrangement and coverage area, enabling better adaptation to obstacles and more efficient processing by moving between first and second positions based on sensory input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the surface processing device maintains a constant form, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to corners of different angles and achieves poor surface coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a movable assembly that can change its configuration between a first position (retracted) and a second position (extended). This movable assembly includes a contact assembly that can be actuated by a reciprocating element, allowing the device to dynamically adjust its shape to adapt to corners of different angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If the surface processing device uses a fixed angular arrangement, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the device cannot optimize coverage for surfaces with complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic angular arrangement through the movable assembly that can transition between retracted and extended positions. This allows the surface processing means to change its exposure and angular arrangement dynamically, optimizing coverage for surfaces with complex geometries without requiring a completely complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing an additional degree of freedom through the movable assembly's extension and retraction capability. This allows the device to adjust not only in the horizontal plane but also in the vertical dimension, enabling better adaptation to various surface geometries and improving productivity.
3Reliability
If the device continuously monitors both sides for obstacles, then the obstacle detection is comprehensive, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first sensory means continuously monitor for obstacles in advance. When an obstacle is detected, the system quickly checks the second side with the second sensory means and immediately actuates the movable assembly if needed. This preliminary monitoring approach ensures comprehensive obstacle detection while minimizing processing time through rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the dual sensory means system that continuously monitors the environment and provides real-time information to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the device to make immediate adjustments to its configuration based on detected obstacles, ensuring both comprehensive detection and efficient response time.
Data Source
AI summary
A surface processing device for processing surface areas with obstacles, comprising a chassis, surface processing means and first and second sensory means, characterized in that it further comprises a movable assembly, adapted to affect exposure of the surface processing means to surface area, wherein the movable assembly is adapted to move, based on information from the first and the second sensory means, at least between a first position and a second position with respect to the chassis, wherein in the second position the surface processing means have different exposure to surface area than in the first position.