Vacuum Robot Retractable Sensor Housing for Low-Obstacle Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot vacuums face challenges in navigating and cleaning under low obstacles due to limited sensor range and design constraints, which restrict their ability to efficiently map and clean areas with low clearance.
Innovation Solution
A robot vacuum design featuring a sensor housing with an elastic element that can extend and retract without a motorized drive, allowing for a variable height sensor that can protrude to detect surroundings and retract to reach low areas, combined with a charging station that assists in transferring retraction force and locking mechanisms for efficient navigation and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor housing is extended to enable all-around view and navigation, then the detection range and navigation efficiency are improved, but the device cannot access areas under low obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is designed to be dynamically movable between an extended position for navigation and a retracted position for cleaning under obstacles. The elastic element enables automatic transition between these states, allowing the device to adapt its sensor height based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized drive mechanism is used to move the sensor housing, then the extension and retraction can be controlled, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element serves as a self-service mechanism that automatically extends the sensor housing without requiring motorized actuation. The system uses the elastic element's stored energy to perform the extension action, eliminating the need for additional motors and reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces motorized mechanical systems with an elastic element-based mechanical system. Instead of using motors and complex control mechanisms, the invention uses elastic potential energy storage and release to achieve sensor housing movement, simplifying the mechanical system and reducing energy requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor housing is retracted to access areas under low obstacles, then the access capability is improved, but the navigation and mapping capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing dynamically changes position between extended and retracted states based on the operational context. During navigation, it extends for optimal detection; during cleaning operations under obstacles, it retracts to enable access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between detection capability and access capability.
4Measurement precision
If the sensor housing is made extendable, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex motorized extension mechanisms with a simple elastic element-based system. The elastic element provides the necessary mechanical force for extension and retraction without requiring motors, gears, or complex control systems, thereby maintaining device simplicity while achieving extendability.
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 efficient navigation and cleaning under low obstacles with a compact design, saving energy by retracting the sensor housing without a motorized drive, and preventing damage through controlled retraction and extension, allowing comprehensive detection of surroundings.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element is designed to pre-tension the sensor housing from a retracted position towards an extended position. The elastic element is deformable by a retraction force to allow movement of the sensor housing from the extended position towards the retracted position.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a robotic vacuum cleaner (100) comprising a robot housing (105), a sensor housing (110), and an elastic element (115). The sensor housing (110), which accommodates an environmental sensor for the robotic vacuum cleaner (100), is at least partially located within the robot housing (105). The elastic element (115) is designed to pre-tension the sensor housing (110) from a retracted position towards an extended position. In the extended position, a section (120) of the sensor housing (110) protrudes from the robot housing (105). In the retracted position, the section (120) of the sensor housing (110) is at least partially located within the robot housing (105). The elastic element (115) is deformable by a retraction force to allow movement of the sensor housing (110) from the extended position towards the retracted position.