Method for operating a work device and work device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work devices, particularly cleaning devices for commercial applications, face challenges in ensuring operational safety and reliability due to the need for immediate reactions to obstacles or critical situations, often requiring user intervention for emergency stops.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a work device that includes detecting safety-relevant situations using sensors, initiating a braking process, processing driving parameters, and selectively choosing between continuing the braking process or triggering an emergency braking process based on these parameters to prevent damage, thereby enhancing autonomy and minimizing user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If immediate emergency braking is triggered when an obstacle is detected, then operational safety is improved, but unnecessary emergency stops increase and operating range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidoperating range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of driving parameters (speed, distance to obstacle, braking capability) before triggering emergency braking. This preliminary assessment allows the device to determine whether standard braking suffices or if emergency braking is truly necessary, reducing unnecessary emergency stops while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts braking response based on processed driving parameters. By evaluating current speed, distance to obstacle, and braking capability, the system adapts the braking intensity appropriately - using gentler braking when parameters allow and reserving emergency braking for critical situations where parameters indicate imminent danger

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If emergency braking is triggered for all detected obstacles, then safety is improved, but user intervention is required frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiduser intervention frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device autonomously evaluates driving parameters and determines the appropriate braking response without requiring user intervention. The system independently assesses whether standard braking or emergency braking is needed based on processed parameters, making the safety response self-managing and reducing the burden on users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors driving parameters and uses this feedback to adjust braking responses. By processing real-time data about speed, distance, and braking capability, the system provides appropriate safety responses that match actual conditions, avoiding unnecessary emergency stops that would require user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the work device operates closer to edges and obstacles, then operating range is expanded, but risk of damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating rangeVSAvoidrisk of damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts safety margins and braking responses based on real-time driving parameters. When operating close to edges or obstacles, the system evaluates current speed and distance parameters to determine appropriate braking intensity, allowing closer operation when parameters permit while maintaining safety when parameters indicate risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4343481B1Method for operating a work device and work device
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP4343481B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343481B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4343481B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method (1) for operating a work device (10) and a work device (10).A work device (10), particularly for commercial applications, and a method for operating a work device (10) in which operational safety and reliability are increased, are realized by performing at least the following process steps: - Detecting (2) a safety-relevant operating situation using at least one sensor system (60) of the work device (10), - Initiating (3) a braking process, wherein the braking process includes the use of at least one drive motor of the work device (10) to reduce the speed when a critical operating situation has been detected, - Processing (4) at least one driving parameter (5) determined after initiating (3) the braking process, - Selecting (6) between continuing the braking process or triggering an emergency braking process depending on at least the processed driving parameter.