Patent Application
20210255624
The present invention relates to a compact robotic device, and in more particularly, relates to a robotic cleaner and biocide dispenser for controlling an infestation.
Insects and other pests have long plagued humanity. These pose a significant health risk for both domestic animals and humans. Domestic animals such as dogs and cats are more prone to infestation by pests. The term pest hereinafter includes cockroaches, fleas, ticks and bedbugs and like. Fleas are tiny, reddish-brown external parasites that feed off of the blood of domestic animals and can also feed on the blood of the humans. Fleas have armored bodies that make them almost impossible to crush, allowing them to thrive in the carpet undetected. Fleas can be carried over domestic animal's fur and can be easily transferred from the fur to a carpet. Bites by fleas produce significant itching and redness. Moreover, infestation by fleas can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that thrive in humid and dark places. Cockroaches infestation possess serious health risk to both animals and humans. Wherever cockroaches go, they leave behind traces of their existence including feces, saliva, and parts of their bodies that they shed or that fall off. These parts of cockroaches can cause allergic reactions. Moreover, cockroaches carry some serious pathogens such as Salmonella Typhi, which causes Typhoid and Poliomyelitis, which causes Polio. They can also cause dysentery, a disease that causes severe diarrhea.
Different compositions of biocides are commercially available to control infestations by the above pests. These compositions may have a narrow spectrum of activity targeting a specific pest, for example, the composition may selectively target cockroaches. Also, broad-spectrum biocides are commercially available that can target more than one pest. Formulations in liquid and powder forms containing one or more of such composition for treating one or more types of pests are commercially available. For example, biocide in the form of powders can be sprinkled over carpet for getting rid of the infestation.
Manually applying a biocide to a surface is both laborious and possesses serious health risks. For example, while applying powder biocide to a surface, some portion of the powder may get suspended in the air and get inhaled. Inhalation of biocide powder can cause allergic reactions and other harmful effects, such as dizziness, toxicity, etc. Thus, a need is appreciated for a device that can autonomously apply biocide to carpets and similar surface.
The principal objective of the present invention is therefore directed to a compact robotic device for spraying powder or liquid over a carpet and similar surface.
An additional objective of the present invention is that the compact robotic device can also vacuum clean the carpet.
A further objective of the present invention is that the compact robotic device can be programmed to autonomously spray the powder or liquid.
Still an addition object of the present invention is that the compact robotic device can be controlled through a smart phone.
Another object of the present invention is that the compact robotic device can detect and avoid any obstacle in its path.
These and other objects and advantages of the embodiments herein will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.
Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. Subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein; exemplary embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments of the present invention” does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.
The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated mode or modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention will be best defined by the allowed claims of any resulting patent.
The present invention is directed to a novel robotic device for spraying powder or liquid to a surface. Shown in
A spray unit 110 in enclosed in the housing. The spray unit functions to spray a biocide powder over an area to be treated. For example, the carpet can be treated with the biocide powder wherein the powder is sprayed by the compact robotic device 100 over the carpet for controlling the infestation.
In an alternate embodiment, the spray unit can spray a biocide liquid over an area to be treated. For example, the carpet can be treated with the biocide liquid wherein the liquid can be sprayed by the compact robotic device 100 over the carpet for controlling the infestation. The cartridge 145 can be configured to contain the biocide liquid for controlling infestation by the pests. Thus, instead of powder, the spray unit can also be configured to spray a biocide liquid. The spray head 150 can be configured to spray a liquid. The pump 155 can be coupled to the cartridge and functions to draw the liquid from the cartridge 145 into the spray head 150. The pump can be of a liquid pump which can be controlled by the control unit 120 to increase or decrease the speed of the spray.
Still in an alternate embodiment, the robotic device 100 can be configured to include both the powder and liquid spray mechanism. There can be two spray units enclosed in the body of the robotic device, wherein the one spray unit is for powder, while the other spray unit can be configured for liquid spray. Each spray unit having the cartridge for the biocide liquid and powder. The pumps suitable for liquid and powder can be included to affect the spray of powder or liquid. Similarly, the nozzle head can be configured with nozzles for both the power and liquid. Thus, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a robotic device for spraying powder only, a robotic device for spraying liquid only, and a robotic device for spraying both powder and liquid. Furthermore, the robotic device can include a vaporizing unit for providing fragrance, virucide solution and other essential oils.
In one embodiment, the compact robotic device 100 can be controlled through a computing device. Shown in
The compact robotic device 100 can travel according to the set floor plan. The compact robotic device 100 initially can help in preparing the floor plan by mapping the floor through one or more sensors. For example, the compact robotic device 100 can travel in an area to be cleaned until it hits an object. Then the robot can change its direction of travel and drive again until it hits another object. The movement of the robotic device can be mapped to create a floor plan. Moreover, the area to be treated with a biocide can also be set, for example, the compact robotic device 100 can be programmed to spray the powder over a carpet area. Alternatively, the compact robotic device 100 can detect the presence of a carpet while traveling and apply the powder. In one case, the carpet area is above the floor surface causing uneven surface and the compact robotic device can be configured to climb the carpet. In doing so, the compact robotic device can detect the presence of a carpet. Alternatively, the sensors can be disposed to detect the surface over which the compact robotic device 100 is traveling.
In one embodiment, the compact robotic device can be maneuvered through the sensors 130. For example, obstacle sensors, cliff sensors, wall sensors, wheel sensor and like can be used for navigation of the compact robotic device 100. In a preferred embodiment, the compact robotic device 100 can be equipped with a self-navigation system based on mapping technology. In one case, the compact robotic device is armed with digital cameras to take pictures of the walls, ceilings, doorways, furniture, and other pointers. In another case, a laser range finder (LIDAR, Light detection and ranging) that measure the distance to objects in the path of the compact robotic device 100 can be deployed in the compact robotic device 100. In both cases, data collected in combination with the information from the sensors is used to gradually build a map or a floor plan. The floor plan can be used to set the area to be treated with the biocide powder.
In one embodiment, shock-absorbing bumpers can be mounted on sides of the compact robotic device 100. The shock-absorbing bumpers can protect the compact robotic device 100 from any impact with an obstacle. The sensors can be located on or near the shock-absorbing bumpers to steer the compact robotic device 100 around the obstacles.
In one embodiment the compact robotic device can also be armed with one or more brushes 140. The brushes 140 pick up the dirt and direct it towards the powerful vacuum, which sucks it away. The brushes 140 can be spin by a motor housed in the body of the compact robotic device 100. The spinning brushes dislodge the dirt and direct it towards the vacuum. The brushes can be divided into side brushes and a brush roller. The coordinated function of the brushes 140 efficiently dislodges the dirt and direct it towards the vacuum. For example, the two side brushes can have a vertical axis of rotation and can preferably be rotated in opposite directions. The brush roller can have a vertical axis of rotation and positioned near the mouth of the vacuum unit.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.
This application claims priority to the U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/782,043 filed Dec. 19, 2018 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
