Robot Cleaner Agitator Mounting for Easy Removal and Torque Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing robot cleaners face difficulties in easy installation and disassembly of the agitator, which complicates maintenance and component replacement due to the direct coupling of the belt or chain with the agitator body.

Innovation Solution

A rotating holder with a shaft insertion part facilitates the installation and disassembly of the agitator by decoupling the direct force transmission, allowing the fixing shaft to be removed and reinserted from the side, and a worm gear system transmits torque to both the agitator and side brush for simultaneous rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a belt directly connects the suction motor with the agitator body, then torque transmission is efficient, but the agitator becomes difficult to disassemble and install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission efficiencyVSAvoidagitator installation and disassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission system is segmented into distinct components: the suction motor, the belt, the holder, and the fixing shaft. The fixing shaft is separated from the agitator body and can be independently inserted into the holder, allowing the agitator to be disassembled without removing the belt from the motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary component between the belt and the fixing shaft. It receives the belt connection and provides a shaft insertion part that engages with the fixing shaft, mediating the power transmission while enabling easy agitator installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the agitator is tightly coupled with the belt connection structure, then power transmission is reliable, but maintenance and component replacement become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance and component replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into maintainable segments: the holder can be independently accessed, the fixing shaft can be removed from the holder, and the agitator can be separated from the fixing shaft. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced or maintained without affecting the entire power transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is pre-configured with a shaft insertion part that corresponds in shape to the fixing shaft. This preliminary design allows the fixing shaft to be easily inserted and engaged without complex alignment procedures, facilitating quick maintenance and replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the fixing shaft is inserted from the end of the holder, then the structure is simple, but the installation and disassembly require complete disassembly of the agitator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder structure simplicityVSAvoidagitator installation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft insertion part is positioned at the side of the holder rather than at the end, changing the insertion dimension from axial to lateral. This allows the fixing shaft to be inserted from the side, enabling agitator installation and disassembly without requiring complete disassembly of the agitator structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 process, enhances user satisfaction by allowing easier maintenance and improves the operational efficiency of the robot cleaner.

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.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentEP2417892B1Robot cleaner
Publication Date: 2016.06.08 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2417892B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2417892B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2417892B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.