Ultrasonic sensor and robot cleaner equipped therewith
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensors in robot cleaners face challenges in accurately sensing distance due to differences in sensor models and manufacturers, leading to potential collisions with walls and inefficient cleaning performance, as existing diagnostic technologies do not account for mixed sensor types and require algorithm changes with each sensor replacement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrical signal transmission unit that distinguishes between the output signals of the ultrasonic sensor's transmitter and receiver, allowing the controller to identify sensor characteristics without modifying the main circuit board, enabling accurate analysis and selection of appropriate algorithms for autonomous driving and preventing malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different models of ultrasonic sensors are used, then the robot cleaner can be equipped with various sensor specifications, but the algorithm must be changed with each sensor replacement, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller automatically detect and identify ultrasonic sensor characteristics before executing distance measurement algorithms. The system pre-configures itself by detecting sensor type, sensitivity, and other parameters, then automatically selects and loads the appropriate algorithm configuration from stored data, eliminating the need for manual algorithm changes when sensors are replaced
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic sensor identification and algorithm selection. The controller autonomously detects sensor characteristics, compares them against stored sensor profiles, identifies the matching sensor type, and automatically configures the appropriate measurement algorithm without requiring external intervention or manual reconfiguration
2Productivity
If the main body is driven closer to the wall, then cleaning performance is improved, but the risk of collision between the main body and the wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic adjustment of driving speed based on real-time distance measurements. The controller continuously monitors the distance between the main body and wall, and automatically adjusts the driving unit's speed - increasing speed when distance is sufficient and reducing speed when distance approaches the safety threshold, enabling the robot to operate closer to walls while maintaining collision avoidance
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through continuous distance measurement and real-time control adjustment. The ultrasonic sensor continuously measures the distance to the wall, feeds this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the driving unit's operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes cleaning performance while preventing collisions
3Ease of repair
If an ultrasonic sensor is replaced with a different type, then repair can be performed, but the output signal characteristics change, causing incorrect distance sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by detecting and identifying changes in ultrasonic sensor characteristics after replacement. The controller measures the actual output signal parameters of the installed sensor, compares them against stored sensor profiles with different sensitivity and waveform characteristics, identifies the correct sensor type, and automatically configures the appropriate measurement algorithm to maintain accurate distance sensing despite sensor variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements universality by creating a unified sensor identification and adaptation mechanism that works with multiple sensor types. The controller stores profiles for different sensor models and manufacturers, and the automatic identification system can handle various sensor replacements uniformly, allowing the same control system to accurately work with different sensor types without requiring model-specific 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
Enables users to accurately identify and replace ultrasonic sensors with matching products, enhancing cleaning performance by ensuring correct algorithm usage and preventing malfunctions, thus improving the robot cleaner's ability to maintain optimal distance from walls.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter (Tx) installed at a point on an outer surface of the main body to emit ultrasonic waves in a predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of receivers (Rx) installed at positions spaced apart from the transmitter by a predetermined distance to receive ultrasonic waves emitted from the transmitter
Implementation Method 3
an electrical signal transmission unit electrically connecting at least one of the transmitter and the plurality of receivers, wherein the electrical signal transmission unit transmits a predetermined electrical signal to the receiver in addition to ultrasonic waves emitted from the transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
In order to achieve the objective of the present disclosure, a robot cleaner for performing autonomous navigation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body; a driving unit for moving the main body; an ultrasonic sensor for sensing a distance between the main body and an obstacle; and a controller for controlling the driving unit by using an output value of the ultrasonic sensor, wherein the ultrasonic sensor comprises: a transmitting unit, installed at one point on the outer surface of the main body, for emitting ultrasonic waves in a predetermined direction; a plurality of receivers, installed at positions spaced apart from the transmitting unit by a predetermined distance on the outer surface of the main body, for receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by the obstacle after being emitted from the transmitting unit; and an electrical signaling unit for electrically connecting at least one of the plurality of receivers to the transmitting unit.