U.S. patent application number 15/650928 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-17 for vacuum cleaning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jose Octavio Velasquez. Invention is credited to Jose Octavio Velasquez.
Application Number | 20190014964 15/650928 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65000341 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190014964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Velasquez; Jose Octavio |
January 17, 2019 |
Vacuum Cleaning Device
Abstract
Disclosed is a computer-implemented, self-controlling vacuum
cleaning device for cleaning soft surfaces without human
intervention. The device comprises a plurality of rotary cleaning
heads, each of which extending through a chassis beyond a bottom
surface thereof, the plane of rotation of each cleaning head being
parallel to said bottom surface. Each cleaning head comprises a
plurality of spray heads for dispensing pressurized cleaning
solution onto the cleaning surface and a plurality of suction heads
for suctioning the cleaning solution along with the impurities
absorbed by it. The device further comprises a computer controller
for virtually mapping a cleaning pattern on the cleaning surface
and for propelling the device as per the cleaning pattern.
Inventors: |
Velasquez; Jose Octavio;
(Joshua, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Velasquez; Jose Octavio |
Joshua |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65000341 |
Appl. No.: |
15/650928 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/00 20130101;
A47L 9/32 20130101; A47L 9/2847 20130101; A47L 11/34 20130101; A47L
11/4083 20130101; A47L 11/4011 20130101; A47L 7/00 20130101; A47L
9/106 20130101; A47L 9/009 20130101; A47L 9/2884 20130101; A47L
9/2852 20130101; A47L 9/2857 20130101; A47L 11/4044 20130101; A47L
9/2826 20130101; A47L 11/4088 20130101; A47L 9/242 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/34 20060101
A47L011/34; A47L 11/40 20060101 A47L011/40 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented, self-controlling vacuum cleaning device
for cleaning soft cleaning surfaces, the device comprising: (a) a
chassis, a bottom surface of which being parallel to a cleaning
surface whereon the device is operationally deployed for cleaning;
(b) a plurality of rotary cleaning heads, each of which extending
through the chassis beyond the bottom surface thereof, the plane of
rotation of each cleaning head being parallel to said bottom
surface, each cleaning head comprising: (i) a plurality of spray
heads for dispensing pressurized cleaning solution therethrough
whereby, the solution sprayed over a cleaning surface, the spray
heads positioned radially from said center; (ii) a plurality of
suction heads radially extending from a center, the suction heads
to rotate about said center, the cleaning solution worked into the
cleaning surface along with the impurities absorbed by the cleaning
solution is suctioned by the suction heads; and (iii) a suction
chamber disposed in fluid communication with the plurality of
suction heads wherein, whatever is suctioned by the suction heads
is eventually received within the suction chamber; (c) distance
sensors disposed on the front and sides of the device, the distance
sensors for constantly measuring the distance between the device
and the obstacles that lie at the front and the sides of the
device; and (d) a computer controller comprising: (i) a mapping
module for, based on the distances calculated by the distance
sensors, determining a cleaning pattern for the cleaning surface;
and (ii) a motion module for, as enabled by the rotation of the
suction heads, propelling the device as per the cleaning pattern
determined by the mapping module wherein, along the cleaning
pattern, the solution is sprayed whereafter, the solution with the
impurities on the dampened cleaning surface is suctioned; the speed
of propulsion determined by the motion module.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of stain
sensors disposed on the bottom of the chassis, each stain sensor
for detecting stains on the cleaning surface, the stain sensors
disposed in operative communication with the computer controller
whereby, the computer controller, as enabled by at least one of the
motion and mapping modules, assigns more time to be spent cleaning
at the stained during or upon the completion of the cleaning the
pattern site until the stain is removed.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein, the stain sensor comprises: (a) a
monochromatic light source; (b) a camera for capturing returned
light emitted from the light source; and (c) a stain module for
analyzing the returned light by comparing the same against the
previous samples of returned light wherein, in the event of
disparity therebetween beyond a predetermined threshold, the site
wherefrom the returned light is captured is deemed stained; the
stain module being a part of the computer controller.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein, the computer controller
comprising a touchscreen for enabling a user to interface
therewith; the touchscreen disposed on top of an outer shell that
is attached on top of the chassis.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein, the sides thereof are lined with
a non-marring bumper.
6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a plenum disposed in
fluid communication with the suction chambers, the plenum for
receiving whatever is received within the suction chambers.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein, whatever is received within the
plenum is discharged out of the device through a vacuum hose
removably connected thereto.
8. The device of claim 1 is, as enabled by a power cord, powered by
an electrical wall socket, the power cord retractably disposed
within the device.
9. The device of claim 1, as enabled by the user-selection of an
exemplary manual mode via a user interface, adapted to be manually
operated.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein, the cleaning surface comprises
the top surfaces of one of a carpet, rug and a floor mat.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein, the plurality of cleaning heads
comprises four cleaning heads, the cleaning heads positioned on the
chassis such that, two cleaning heads are positioned closer to the
front of the chassis, while the remaining two cleaning heads are
positioned closer to the rear of the chassis, the centers of the
front two cleaning heads aligning with those of the rear cleaning
heads.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein, the solution is supplied from an
external source via a hose connected to the rear of the device, the
dispensation of the solution through the spray heads controlled by
a DC solenoid, which in turn is controlled by the computer
controller.
13. The device of claim 12 wherein, the DC solenoid is disposed in
operative communication with a self-supporting rotating union,
which channels the solution therethrough to the nozzles.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein, the spray head comprises a
nozzle.
15. The device of claim 1 adapted to be carried by a pair of
handles hingedly connected on top of an outer shell, which is
fitted on top of the chassis.
16. The device of claim 1 wherein, each suction head is spring
loaded in that the suction head, upon of release of an upward push
applied thereto, returns downwardly to the original position
thereof.
17. The device of claim 1 further comprising a central front and a
pair of side caster wheels located behind the front wheel, the
wheels for augmenting the movement of the device; the rotation of
each individual wheel controlled by the computer controller.
18. The device of claim 1 wherein, as viewed from bottom, the shape
of each suction head is elongate rectangular with the center
thereof being slightly curved, each suction head is longitudinally
aligned with the center of the cleaning head.
19. The device of claim 1 wherein, the plurality of suction heads
comprises three suction heads; the angle between the two successive
suction heads with respect to the center being equivalent.
20. The device of claim 1 wherein, the plurality of spray heads
comprises three spray heads; the angle between the two successive
spray heads with respect to the center being equivalent.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a domestic cleaning system.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a vacuum
cleaning device which allows a user to clean soft surfaces without
requiring the user to manually operate the same.
[0002] Vacuum cleaners are widely used for hassle-free cleaning
purposes. The components of the vacuum cleaner include an electric
motor as a suction source for the vacuuming purpose, for example,
dust particles and particulates that are normally settled down on
the floor, carpet, table, etc. In order to supply the electric
power, the power cords are connected to the electric mains. Once
the vacuum cleaner no longer requires to be connected to the mains,
the power cord is wound into the vacuum cleaner so that, the vacuum
cleaner can be easily packed.
[0003] There are many conventional vacuum cleaners which are
designed to reduce a considerable amount of space as well, as in
the household use, where the vacuum cleaners are known which have a
cord-winding mechanism in the casing of the vacuum cleaner. This
internal cord-winding mechanism, which often incorporates a
mechanical winding assistance unit, tremendously reduces the useful
space of the vacuum cleaner. However, most of such vacuum cleaners
have a main issue, where the user themselves have to manually
operate the device to clean the surfaces. There are no sensory
means present in the conventional vacuum cleaners which provide
detection of sections which need to be cleaned. Further, with the
advent of smart phone technology and other such smart devices,
there is no vacuum cleaner in the market which is integrated along
with such smart devices to enable automation of the working.
[0004] Currently, commercial carpet cleaners come with one or two
heads and are used under manual operator control. The rotating
heads allow the product to be move fore and aft or laterally side
to side by manipulating the handle and the tilt of the heads. The
conventional vacuum cleaners are heavy and when connected to the
hoses, they are somewhat cumbersome to use. It takes considerable
experience to operate the conventional vacuum cleaners under good
control and, by the end of the shift; the user is typically very
fatigued. Additionally, the heavy conventional vacuum cleaners can
get away from the operator and crash into the wall or trim boards,
requiring costly repairs that drain the profit from the job.
Therefore, there is a need for an automated vacuum cleaning device
which can address above mentioned issues.
SUMMARY
[0005] An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
computer-implemented, self-controlling vacuum cleaning device,
which is intended for operational deployment on soft surfaces,
especially those that pertain to carpets, floor mats, rugs, and the
like. The device is computer implemented to the point that it
doesn't require manual intervention for its operation right from
start to finish. More specifically, the device propels itself over
the soft surface in a pattern that is determined by the device
itself.
[0006] The device comprises a chassis and an outer shell sealingly
fitted on top of the chassis wherein, almost every component of the
device is disposed between chassis and the outer shell. The device
is powered by a retractable power cord residing therewithin
wherein, the power cords connects the device to an electrical wall
socket. The chassis is a flat, substantially rectangular member
with the corners thereof being rounded. Four substantially circular
holes disposed on the chassis extend from the top to the bottom
surface thereof. More particularly, two holes (which hereinafter
are referred to as front holes) are disposed closer to the front
edge of the chassis, while the remaining two holes (which
hereinafter are referred to as rear holes) are disposed closer to
the rear edge of the chassis. Notably, the centers of the front and
rear holes are laterally aligned and the pairs of front and rear
holes closer to the side edges are longitudinally aligned. Each
hole is adapted to receive a rotary cleaning head, which is
pre-fitted within a bell-shaped casting that is preferably made of
aluminum. The assembly between the bell-shaped casting and chassis
is configured such that, upon the reception of a bell-shaped
casting within a hole, the cleaning head extends slightly beyond
the bottom surface of the chassis. The plane of rotation of a
cleaning head is parallel the bottom surface of the chassis.
[0007] The cleaning head comprises a three suction heads extending
radially from the center (of the cleaning head) such that, the
angle between two successive cleaning heads is equivalent. As
viewed from bottom, each suction head is elongated and
substantially rectangular with a central, substantially rectangular
opening through which, dirt is suctioned during the operation of
the device. Notably, the mid portion of the suction head (as viewed
from bottom) is slightly curved. The suction heads are disposed in
fluid communication with a suction chamber via a vacuum hose.
Notably, the suction chamber is a part of the cleaning head and
therefore, resides within the corresponding bell-shaped casting.
Each suction chamber is in turn disposed in fluid communication
with a plenum via another vacuum hose. An external vacuum hose
removably accessing the plenum from the rear of the device
facilitates the discharge of the dirt collected over time within
the plenum.
[0008] The cleaning head further comprises three spray heads, each
of which disposed between two successive suction heads. Notably,
the angle between two successive spray heads with respect to the
center is equivalent. The spray heads are configured to discharge
pressurized cleaning solution therefrom. The cleaning solution is
supplied from an external source via an external solution hose
connecting said source and the rear of the device. The solution is
received by a self-supporting rotating union. The rotating union,
as enabled by a DC solenoid, allocates the solution to the four
cleaning heads. The device is operationally configured such that,
first, the solution is discharged from the spray heads whereafter,
the solution mixed with the dirt is suctioned by the suction
heads.
[0009] The device further comprises three distance sensors viz., a
front and two side distance sensors. The front distance sensor is
mounted at the front of the device, while the side distance sensors
are mounted at the sides of the device. More particularly, the
distance sensors are mounted on the outer shell. Each distance
sensor is for calculating the distance between itself (which is
translated into the device) and an obstacle in the line of sight
thereof. The obstacle could be a wall or any object that blocking
the vision of the sensor.
[0010] The device further comprises a computer controller for
controlling the operation thereof. The computer controller
comprises a user interface for enabling a user to interact
therewith. The computer controller further comprises a mapping and
a motion module, the utility of each of which will become apparent
from the following body of text. Upon the device being placed on a
cleaning surface and powered on via the user interface, the
computer controller is configured to initially measure the distance
between the device and the obstacles that lay ahead and sideways.
The distance sensors are disposed in operational conjunction with
the mapping sensor whereby, the mapping module, based on the
calculations obtained from the distance sensors, virtually creates
a cleaning pattern on the cleaning surface. The motion module
propels the device in the cleaning pattern. Along the cleaning
pattern on the cleaning surface, the cleaning solution is sprayed
thereon and consecutively worked thereinto. Once the cleaning
solution is worked in, the emerging solution mixed with impurities
are suctioned by the suction heads, which is then transferred into
the suction chambers and ultimately into the common plenum.
[0011] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Various embodiments of the disclosed system and method are
described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which
form a part of this disclosure, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates a top view of the vacuum
cleaning device.
[0014] FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates a bottom view of the vacuum
cleaning device.
[0015] FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates a front elevation view of
the vacuum cleaning device.
[0016] FIG. 1D exemplarily illustrates a rear elevation view of the
vacuum cleaning device.
[0017] FIG. 2A exemplarily illustrates a top cutaway view of the
vacuum cleaning device.
[0018] FIG. 2B exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the
portion marked A of the vacuum cleaning device in FIG. 2A.
[0019] FIG. 2C exemplarily illustrates a top plan view of the
vacuum cleaning device.
[0020] FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of
the vacuum cleaning device.
[0021] FIG. 3B exemplarily illustrates a bottom perspective view of
the vacuum cleaning device.
[0022] The various aspects of the present disclosure mentioned
above are described in further detail with reference to the
aforementioned figures and the following detailed description of
exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In the following detailed description, a reference is made
to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which
the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of
illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail
to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and
it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to
be taken in a limiting sense.
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
computer-implemented, self-controlling vacuum cleaning device,
which is intended for operational deployment on soft cleaning
surfaces, especially those that pertain to carpets, floor mats,
rugs, and the like. The device is computer implemented to the point
that it doesn't require manual intervention for its operation right
from start to finish. More specifically, the device propels itself
over the soft surface in a pattern that is determined by the device
itself.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1D, the device 100 comprises a
chassis and an outer shell sealingly fitted on top of the chassis
wherein, almost every component of the device 100 is disposed
between chassis and the outer shell. More particularly, the outer
shell is secured to the chassis using eight-plated steel socket
head cap screws. The device 100 is powered by a retractable power
cord 104 residing therewithin wherein, the power cord 104 connects
the device 100 to an electrical wall socket. The power cord 104 is
wound around a spring-loaded spindle wherein, the power cord 104 is
pulled out until it latches. Upon the completion of the usage of
the device 100, the power cord 104, upon being manually pulled out
slightly, activates the spindle. This causes the power cord 104 to
wound back around the spindle. Notably, the power cord 104
comprises a 120 VAC power cord 104. In one embodiment, the power
cord 104 is provided as an external umbilical, which is connected
between the wall socket and a power cord connector 112 disposed at
the rear of the outer shell.
[0026] In one embodiment, the power cord 104 comprises a 50', 12/2
with a 16 gauge ground. The male cord end is grounded and the
copper stranded wires are individually insulated with PVC
insulation and the 3 wires are contained in flexible PVC jacket.
The power cord 104 is designed for years of use in portable machine
operation. The power cord 104 is resistant against water, cleaning
compound, and sunlight. The auto retractable spindle has an
adjustable locking ratchet to secure the power cord 104 at the
desired length. A small pull disengages the ratchet and the linear
spring motor smoothly retracts the power cord 104. A cord guide
lays the power cord uniformly so that, power cord never gets
tangled on the spindle.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1B and 2B, the chassis is a flat,
substantially rectangular member with the corners thereof being
rounded. Four substantially circular holes disposed on the chassis
extend from the top to the bottom surface thereof. More
particularly, two holes (which hereinafter are referred to as front
holes) are disposed closer to the front edge of the chassis, while
the remaining two holes (which hereinafter are referred to as rear
holes) are disposed closer to the rear edge of the chassis.
Notably, the centers of the front and rear holes are laterally
aligned and the pairs of front and rear holes closer to the side
edges are longitudinally aligned. Each hole is adapted to receive a
rotary cleaning head 108, which is pre-fitted within a bell-shaped
casting (with stainless steel fasteners) that is preferably made of
aluminum. The assembly between the bell-shaped casting and chassis
is configured such that, upon the reception of a bell-shaped
casting within a hole, the cleaning head 108 extends slightly
beyond the bottom surface of the chassis. The plane of rotation of
a cleaning head 108 is parallel the bottom surface of the chassis.
The cleaning head 108 is driven by a brushless DC motor drive
rotating head 119, which is in operative communication with a
nonslip toothed belt. The cleaning head 108 driven by the toothed
belt very quietly. The belts and pulleys employed have multiple
years operating life so the DC motor drives are virtually
maintenance free. The DC motor is powered by motor driver that is
computer controlled. These brushless drive motors are very quiet,
durable, maintenance free, and are geared down. The torque of the
DC motor is instantaneous so the machine never gets bogged down,
even on a shag carpet. While only one reduction is shown, a
multi-stage system may have to be employed to get to a 25:1
reduction. Notably, the speed of rotation of each cleaning head 108
ranges from 0 to 130 RPM. The bell shaped shell protects the
cleaning heads 108 and contains any debris that is kicked up by the
cleaning heads 108.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1B, 1D, 2A and 3B, the cleaning head 108
comprises a three suction heads 105 extending radially from the
center (of the cleaning head 108) such that, the angle between two
successive cleaning heads 108 is equivalent (i.e., 60.degree.). As
viewed from bottom, each suction head 105 is elongated and
substantially rectangular with a central, substantially rectangular
opening through which, dirt is suctioned during the operation of
the device 100. Notably, the mid portion of the suction head 105
(as viewed from bottom) is slightly curved. Each suction head 105
is spring loaded in that the suction head 105, upon of release of
an upward push applied thereto, returns downwardly to the original
position thereof. Notably, the leading and trailing edges of the
cleaning heads 108 are rounded for providing a smooth compressing
cleaning surface. The suction heads 105 are disposed in fluid
communication with a suction chamber 117 via a vacuum hose 116.
Notably, the suction chamber 117 is a part of the cleaning head 108
and therefore, resides within the corresponding bell-shaped
casting. Each suction chamber 117 is in turn disposed in fluid
communication with a plenum via another vacuum hose 116. An
external vacuum hose removably accessing the plenum from the rear
of the device 100 (via a vacuum hose connector 113) facilitates the
discharge of the dirt collected over time within the plenum. In one
embodiment, the device 100 comprises a large vacuum plenum. The
large vacuum plenum is permanent molded from aluminum and the
bottom half is mounted to the hinged door 101. The forward upper
half thereof is removable for easy cleaning in case some
maintenance is required after many operating cycles of the device
100. The vacuum is maintained by an O-ring being compressed between
the two sections, with pressure being applied using two plastic
knobbed bolts. The high capacity AC to DC converter sits under the
power cord spindle and on top of the rear part of the plenum, using
the large aluminum structure as the heat sink.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1B, 1D, 2A and 2B, the cleaning head 108
further comprises three spray heads 106, each of which disposed
between two successive suction heads 105. Notably, the angle
between two successive spray heads 106 with respect to the center
is equivalent (i.e., 60.degree.). The spray heads 106 are
configured to discharge pressurized cleaning solution therefrom.
More particularly, three threaded holes are disposed in a
fiber-glass reinforced centre hub 107 (fitted within the
bell-shaped casting) that allow attachment of the spray head piping
and the spray head 106 thereto. The piping is fabricated, for
example, using 3/8-NPT brass pipe and the various fittings to allow
the spray head 106 to be directed downward toward the cleaning
surface ahead of the suction head 105. The cleaning solution is
supplied from an external source via an external solution hose 114
connecting said source and the rear of the outer shell. The
solution is supplied to the spray heads by a self-supporting
rotating union 118. The rotating union 118, as enabled by a DC
solenoid, allocates the solution to the four cleaning heads 108.
The device 100 is operationally configured such that, first, the
solution is discharged from the spray heads 106 (in a conical spray
pattern) whereafter, the solution mixed with the dirt is suctioned
by the suction heads 105. Notably, the suction and spray heads 105
and 106 are mounted on a fiberglass-reinforced center hub 107.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1C, the device 100 further comprises three
distance sensors 110 viz., a front and two side distance sensors
110. The front distance sensor 110 is mounted at the front of the
device 100, while the side distance sensors 110 are mounted at the
sides of the device 100. More particularly, the distance sensors
110 are mounted on the outer shell. Each distance sensor 110 is for
calculating the distance between the device 100 and an obstacle in
the line of sight thereof. The obstacle could be a wall or any
object that blocking the vision of the sensor. The distance sensor
110 comprises an LED 111 of preferably red color. During the
operation, the distance sensors 110 emit a beam of light and then
determine room sizes up to 130 feet in each direction. The distance
sensors 110 are engaged during the cleaning operation and measure
the machine location within the room to within .+-.0.1 inches. In
an embodiment, the vacuum cleaning device 100 further comprises an
optional vision system, which is added if the device 100 is be used
within a furniture filled room.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2C, 3A and 3B, the device 100 further
comprises a computer controller for controlling the operation
thereof. The computer controller comprises a user interface for
enabling a user to interact therewith. More particularly, the user
interface comprises a touchscreen 120 disposed on top of the outer
shell. The touchscreen 120 is covered by a hinged door 101 for
protection. The hinged door is water jet machined using, for
example, 6061 aluminum alloy sheet. After fabrication, the
appropriate holes are tapped on a CNC milling center, the hinged
door 101 is cleaned, anodized, dyed a matching, complementary, or
contrasting color to that used for the protective housing. The
anodize coating prevents oxidation of the aluminum and provides a
scratch resistant surface, greatly reducing wear during use. The
computer controller further comprises a mapping and a motion
module, the utility of each of which will become apparent from the
following body of text. Upon the device 100 being placed on a
cleaning surface and powered on via the user interface, the
computer controller is configured to initially measure the distance
between the device 100 and the obstacles that lay ahead and
sideways. The distance sensors 110 are disposed in operational
conjunction with the mapping sensor whereby, the mapping module,
based on the calculations obtained from the distance sensors 110,
virtually creates a cleaning pattern on the cleaning surface. The
motion module, as enabled by the rotary motion of the cleaning
heads 108, propels the device 100 in the cleaning pattern. Along
the cleaning pattern on the cleaning surface, the cleaning solution
is sprayed thereon and consecutively worked thereinto. More
particularly, the stainless steel cleaning heads 108 glide on the
dampened cleaning surface and slightly compress the fibers thereof
to work the cleaning solution in and the suction heads 105 remove
the dirty solution. Once the cleaning solution is worked in, the
emerging solution mixed with impurities are suctioned by the
suction heads 105, which is then transferred into the suction
chambers 117 and ultimately into the common plenum.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1B and 3B, the device 100 further
comprises a plurality of downwardly facing stain sensors 109
disposed on bottom surface of the chassis. The stain sensors 109,
as the name suggests, are employed for detecting stains on the
cleaning surface. Each stain sensor 109 comprises a light source
for emitting a monochromatic light source onto the cleaning
surface. A CCD camera employed by the stain sensor 109
simultaneously captures the monochromatic light that is reflected
off the cleaning surface. A stain module, which is a part of the
computer controller, analyzes said returned light by comparing the
same against the previous samples of returned light. In the event
of disparity between the returned light and the previous samples
beyond a predetermined threshold, the site on the cleaning surface
wherefrom the returned light is captured is deemed a stain site.
Upon detection of a stain site in the aforementioned fashion, the
computer controller is configured to propel the device 100 back to
the stain site and stay the device 100 thereon for a longer time.
The stain sensors 109 also detect any open space beneath the device
100 and thereby prevent the device 100 from falling thereinto. For
example, the stain sensors 109 prevent the device 100 from falling
down a flight of stairs.
[0033] In an additional embodiment, the device 100 is configured to
be operated manually. More particularly, in this "manual mode"
embodiment, the user is allowed by the computer controller to
override the mapping and motion modules as the user, via his/her
connected smartphone, navigates/maneuvers the device 100 in
whatever pattern he/she decides fit. Notably, the smartphone is
connected to the device 100 via Bluetooth, Wi-fi, or the like.
Selecting an exemplary "manual mode" button on the touchscreen 120
activates the manual mode, which simultaneously suspends the
self-controlling aspect of the device 100, which is enabled by the
computer controller modules.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2C, 3A and 3B, the device 100 further
comprises a pair of handles 102 that are hingedly secured within
the pockets carved on top of the outer shell. As the outer shell is
preferably made of molded plastic, it is strong enough to allow the
device 100, which weighs about 50 pounds, to be picked up and
carried about the handles 102. More particularly, the outer shell
is made from blow-molded polypropylene plastic. The outer shell is
thick plastic and is very durable, highly resistant to household
and cleaning chemicals, and is highly resistant to blows and
scrapes. The outer shell can be supplied in almost any vibrant
color, so a distinctive color may be chosen to enhance the product
recognition factor, which can dramatically improve the market
adoption of the device 100. The handles 102 are adapted to be
angularly movable between a rest position and a carry position.
Notably, at rest position, the handles 102 are disposed parallel to
the top, substantially flat surface of the outer shell whereas, at
the carry position, the handles 102 are perpendicular to the top
surface of the outer shell. Notably, the handles 102 are a product
of an injection molding process.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2C, 3A and 3B, the sides of the
device 100 are lined with a non-marring bumper so as to prevent any
damage thereto in the event of inadvertent collisions. Preferably,
the bumper is made of polyurethane rubber. Notably, the chassis
comprises a polarized, locking connector 115 disposed on the top
surface and closer to the front edge thereof. The polarized
connector 115 is adapted to receive a matching insert thereinto
wherein, the insert is disposed on the outer shell. The insertion
of the insert into the polarized connector 115 establishes an
electrical communication between the components mounted on the
outer shell and on the chassis as enabled by the wiring harness.
The harness employs PVC insulated stranded copper wires that are
bundled in a 10 mil thick polyethylene braid protective shield.
This allows the connecting wires of the device 100 to be pulled
through a sidewall and yet the balance of wires remain covered,
enhancing the look of the harness and eliminating most of the tie
wraps in typical harness assembly. The specially designed polarized
connector allows the chassis to be connected to the computer
controller and various drivers in the outer shell. There is some
additional harness length within the outer shell that allows it to
be removed and turned upside down in front of the device 100 to
allow preventative maintenance. In an additional embodiment, to
augment the cleaning head's mobility capability, the device 100 can
be equipped with individually controlled drive wheels and a front
mounted caster.
[0036] In an embodiment, the computer controller is a small outline
unit that is a disposed within a ruggedized, splash proof case and
comprises a full color touch screen display 120 facing upward
behind the hinged door 101 in the outer shell. A special computer
software program is written to operate the device 100 and can be
upgraded in the field using the Bluetooth connection. The high
current drivers and motor controllers are mounted on a separate but
nearby printed circuit board (PCB).
[0037] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will
so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that
others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or
adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without
departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such
adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be
comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the
disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology
or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description
and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have
been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced
with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *