Water trailing detection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and robotic floor cleaning machines struggle to detect conditions that require corrective action during the cleaning process, such as water trailing from deficient squeegee blades or vacuum recovery systems, which can lead to inefficient cleaning and potential streaks on the floor.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control system connected to a sensor system that includes moisture detection mechanisms, such as electrodes and absorbent materials, to monitor the cleaning operation and alert the system or operator of moisture presence, ensuring effective cleaning and preventing streaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous floor cleaning machines operate without supervision, then productivity is improved, but the ability to detect cleaning deficiencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning machine performs self-diagnosis through onboard sensors that automatically detect water trailing conditions and cleaning deficiencies without human intervention, enabling the system to monitor and report its own performance status
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides real-time feedback about cleaning effectiveness by detecting moisture levels on the floor, allowing the autonomous machine to identify and report deficiencies in the cleaning operation
2Measurement precision
If manual operators monitor cleaning operations, then detection of water trailing is improved, but operator safety and attention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated moisture-detecting sensors that eliminate the need for operators to position themselves in hazardous locations behind moving machinery while maintaining accurate detection of water trailing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system acts as an intermediary between the cleaning operation and human operators, allowing monitoring of water trailing conditions without requiring direct human exposure to hazardous areas
3Productivity
If squeegee blades are designed for high water recovery, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of water trailing from blade deficiency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture sensors provide feedback about water trailing conditions that indicates squeegee blade performance, allowing detection of blade wear or deficiency that affects the consistency of water recovery during cleaning 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 solution enables autonomous floor cleaning machines to consistently and efficiently clean floors by detecting and addressing moisture issues in real-time, reducing the likelihood of streaks and improving overall cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture sensor in communication with the control system and configured to generate a signal in response to moisture in the absorbent medium
Data Source
AI summary
A floor cleaning machine can comprise a chassis, a cleaning mechanism, a control system, and a cleaning operation sensing system connected to the chassis. The chassis can be configured for movement along a cleaning path. The cleaning mechanism can perform a cleaning operation. The liquid system can provide liquid to the cleaning mechanism. The recovery system can recover liquid from the cleaning operation. The control system can control performance of the cleaning operation. The cleaning operation sensing system can detect a condition of the cleaning operation. The cleaning operation sensing system can comprise a water trailing detection system comprising: a frame connected to the chassis aft of the recovery system; an absorbent medium connected to the frame; and a moisture sensor in communication with the control system to alter a signal in response to moisture in the absorbent medium.