Distance detection apparatus and self-propelled device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled devices, such as cleaning robots, face challenges in accurately detecting distances and navigating along walls due to misjudgment of distances with materials like mirrors or smooth surfaces, leading to poor accuracy and potential collision issues.
Innovation Solution
A distance detection apparatus with a configuration of an emitting light source, receiving lens, and detection assembly, utilizing a triangulation ranging method with multiple photosensitive surfaces and emitting light sources to enhance detection accuracy and range, avoiding issues with non-Lambertian scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single photosensitive surface and single emitting light source are used for distance detection, then the device structure is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to misjudgment with mirrors or smooth surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple photosensitive surfaces and multiple emitting light sources arranged in specific spatial configurations. This segmentation allows the system to detect reflected light from different angles and positions, enabling differentiation between mirror reflections and actual obstacles, thereby improving distance measurement accuracy without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by arranging photosensitive surfaces and emitting light sources at different positions and angles. This multi-dimensional configuration enables the system to capture reflected light information from multiple perspectives, resolving the ambiguity caused by mirror surfaces and smooth materials that confuse single-point detection systems
2Area of stationary object
If the detection range is expanded to cover more areas, then the navigation capability along walls is improved, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to increased detection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection field into multiple zones by positioning multiple emitting light sources and photosensitive surfaces at different locations. Each segment covers a specific angular or spatial range, allowing the system to maintain high detection accuracy across the entire expanded field of view by assigning dedicated detection elements to each zone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the detection apparatus with multiple emitting light sources and photosensitive surfaces that can collectively serve both wide-area detection and precise measurement functions. The system universally handles different detection scenarios (mirror surfaces, smooth materials, actual obstacles) through its multi-component configuration, achieving both expanded detection range and maintained accuracy
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
Improves the accuracy of distance measurement and obstacle avoidance, ensuring effective cleaning and navigation along walls by expanding detection range and direction, reducing detection failures, and maintaining stability across varying surface scattering characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the detection assembly being configured to receive reflected light information passing through the receiving lens and reflected by the target object
Data Source
AI summary
A distance detection apparatus includes: an emitting light source, a receiving lens, a detection assembly, and a controller. The receiving lens and the emitting light source are spaced apart from each other, and the detection assembly is located near a focal plane of the receiving lens. The emitting light source is configured to emit detection light with a divergence angle to a target object. The detection assembly is configured to receive reflected light information passing through the receiving lens and reflected by the target object . The controller is electrically connected to the detection assembly, and the controller is configured to determine a measurement distance of the target object according to the reflected light information received by the detection assembly.