Robot Cleaner Agitator Mounting for Easy Removal and Drive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing robot cleaners face difficulties in the easy removal and installation of the agitator, which complicates maintenance and component replacement due to the need to disassemble and reassemble the belt connecting the suction motor with the agitator body.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner design featuring a non-circular fixing shaft and corresponding shaft insertion part allows for easy installation and removal of the agitator, with a worm gear system transmitting torque to both the agitator and side brush for simultaneous rotation, facilitating easier maintenance and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a belt connecting the suction motor with the agitator body is used to transmit torque, then the agitator can be driven effectively, but the disassembly and installation of the agitator becomes difficult requiring removal and reinstallation of the belt
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into a fixed pulley attached to the motor shaft and a movable pulley attached to the agitator shaft. This segmentation allows the belt to be independently removed from the movable pulley when the agitator needs maintenance, without requiring disassembly of the entire transmission system or removal of the fixed pulley.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt is extracted as a separate, removable component from the transmission system. The movable pulley is designed to detachably receive the belt, allowing the belt to be easily removed and reinstalled without affecting other components. This extraction principle enables maintenance personnel to quickly service the agitator by simply removing and reattaching the belt to the movable pulley.
2Ease of repair
If the agitator is designed with a belt connection system, then torque transmission is achieved, but maintenance and component replacement become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into independent segments: the fixed pulley mounted on the motor shaft, the movable pulley mounted on the agitator shaft, and the belt connecting them. This segmentation allows the belt and movable pulley to be serviced independently without affecting the motor or fixed pulley, significantly simplifying maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt is designed as an extractable component that can be easily removed from the movable pulley. This extraction capability enables quick replacement of worn belts or entire movable pulley assemblies during maintenance, without requiring disassembly of the motor housing or permanent installation fixtures.
3Ease of operation
If a non-circular fixing shaft with shaft insertion part is used, then the agitator can be easily installed and removed from the holder, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing shaft is designed with a non-circular cross-section (such as square, rectangular, or polygonal) instead of a conventional circular shape. The shaft insertion part in the holder has a corresponding asymmetric geometry that matches the fixing shaft. This asymmetric design provides inherent alignment and positioning functionality, allowing the agitator to be easily installed by simply inserting the shaft into the holder without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional fastening mechanisms.
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
This design simplifies the installation and disassembly of the agitator, enhances user satisfaction by improving accessibility for cleaning and component replacement, and allows for efficient operation of both the agitator and side brush.
Implementation Method 1
a worm can be installed at the other side of the pulley to provide the torque to the side brush. By engaging a worm gear with the worm and connecting the side brush with the rotation shaft of the worm gear, the torque of the driving motor can be transmitted to the side brush as well as the agitator.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an installation structure for an agitator installed in a dust suction unit of a robot cleaner to scatter foreign substances distributed in a working area comprises: a holder which is connected to a driving motor for providing a torque to the agitator and has a part exposed to the inside of the dust suction unit; and a fixing shaft for forming a rotation shaft of the agitator and having a shape of a polygonal pillar or a shape of a pillar including at least one projection, wherein a shaft insertion part is formed in the holder, has a dented shape corresponding to the shape of the fixing shaft, and can be engaged and rotated with the fixing shaft while the fixing shaft is inserted into and installed at the holder. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the easy separation and installation of the agitator and the enablement of simultaneous rotation of the agitator and a side brush can improve user satisfaction.