Robotic cleaning devices, associated systems, and methods of using the same

Abstract

A robotic cleaning device, along with associated systems and methods of using the same, is described. The device may include a body portion that may define a top surface, a bottom surface, and a continuous sidewall surface. An example device may further include a drive system that propels the robotic device. An example device may further include two or more bottom brushes. An example device may further include a continuous opening that translates around the sidewall surface. An example device may further include a pair of sidewall brushes that may oscillate along the opening.

1 . A robotic device for cleaning a surrounding environment, the robotic device comprising:
 a body portion that defines at least a top surface, a bottom surface, and a continuous sidewall surfaces, wherein the sidewall surface is defined by a perimeter of the body portion;   a drive system that includes at least two drive elements configured to propel the robotic device within the surrounding environment, wherein the at least two drive elements extend a distance beneath the bottom surface;   two or more bottom brushes having a primary axis of each brush that extends below the bottom surface and extend at least partially beyond the at least two drive elements to engage the surrounding environment;   a continuous opening that translates around the sidewall surface; and   a pair of sidewall brushes that extend from the robotic cleaning device and configured to oscillate along the continuous opening until making contact with each other.   
     
     
         2 . The robotic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a storage compartment that stores the pair of sidewall brushes, wherein the storage compartment is defined between the top surface and the bottom surface at an end of the robotic device. 
     
     
         3 . The robotic device of  claim 2 , wherein the pair of sidewall brushes translates from a stored position to an active position relative to the storage compartment upon an activation of a cycle. 
     
     
         4 . The robotic device of  claim 3 , wherein the pair of sidewall brushes are position in a vertical manner relative to the storage compartment while in the active position. 
     
     
         5 . The robotic device of  claim 4 , wherein the pair of sidewall brushes oscillate horizontally relative to the continuous opening of the robotic device. 
     
     
         6 . The robotic device of  claim 5 , wherein the pair of sidewall brushes oscillate individually from each other from a first linear position to a second linear position along the continuous opening. 
     
     
         7 . The robotic device of  claim 6 , wherein a first sidewall brush oscillates along a first side of the robotic device, and a second sidewall brush oscillates along a second side of the robotic device, wherein the first side and the second side are relative to the sidewall surface. 
     
     
         8 . The robotic device of  claim 6 , wherein the first linear position is defined by the storage compartment at a first end of the robotic device. 
     
     
         9 . The robotic device of  claim 7 , wherein the second linear position is defined by a linearly opposite end of the robotic device relative to the storage compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The robotic device of  claim 1 , further comprises a bumper that extends around the body portion, wherein the bumper protects a finish of the surrounding environment. 
     
     
         11 . The robotic device of  claim 1 , further comprises a controller and at least one sensor to detect a location of the robotic device in the surrounding environment and communicate the location to guide the robotic device. 
     
     
         12 . The robotic device of  claim 11 , wherein the controller further comprises a processor configured to communicate with the controller of the robotic device. 
     
     
         13 . The robotic device of  claim 12 , wherein the controller, directed by the processor, controls at least one oscillating function of the pair of sidewall brushes. 
     
     
         14 . The robotic device of  claim 11 , wherein the controller further comprises a communication element that communicates with at least one electronic device. 
     
     
         15 . The robotic device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one power switch, wherein the at least one power switch activates the robotic device and/or selects a cycle type. 
     
     
         16 . A system comprising:
 a robotic device, wherein the robotic device comprises:
 a body portion that defines at least a top surface, a bottom surface, and a continuous sidewall surfaces, wherein the sidewall surface is defined by a perimeter of the body portion; 
 a drive system that includes at least two drive elements configured to propel the robotic device within a surrounding environment, wherein the at least two drive elements extend a distance beneath the bottom surface; 
 two or more bottom brushes having a primary axis of each brush that extends below the bottom surface and extend at least partially beyond the at least two drive elements to engage the surrounding environment; 
 a continuous opening that translates around the sidewall surface; 
 a pair of sidewall brushes that extend from the robotic cleaning device and configured to oscillate along the continuous opening until making contact with each other; and 
   a distributed network, wherein the distributed network communicates with one or more electronic devices and with the system.   
     
     
         17 . A method of operating a robotic device, the method comprising the steps of:
 selecting, via a power switch, a power type and/or cycle type; and   causing an activation of a cycle for the robotic device to begin cleaning a surrounding environment, wherein the robotic device comprises:   a body portion that defines at least a top surface, a bottom surface, and a continuous sidewall surfaces, wherein the sidewall surface is defined by a perimeter of the body portion;   a drive system that includes at least two drive elements configured to propel the robotic device within the surrounding environment, wherein the at least two drive elements extend a distance beneath the bottom surface;   two or more bottom brushes having a primary axis of each brush that extends below the bottom surface and extend at least partially beyond the at least two drive elements to engage the surrounding environment;   a continuous opening that translates around the sidewall surface;   a pair of sidewall brushes that extend from the robotic cleaning device and configured to oscillate along the continuous opening until making contact with each other; and   at least one power switch, wherein the at least one power switch activates the robotic device and/or selects a cycle type.   
     
     
         18 . The method of operating a robotic device of  claim 17 , wherein the cycle type defines a running time of the robotic device and a cleaning type. 
     
     
         19 . The method of operating a robotic device of  claim 18 , wherein depressing the at least one power switches a predetermined number of times results in selecting the cycle. 
     
     
         20 . The method of operating a robotic device of  claim 19 , wherein selecting different cycles and/or run times are based on a number of depressions of the at least one power switch.