Pad changer, cleaner and cleaner system having the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional robot cleaners require manual intervention for pad replacement, leading to contamination spillage and user safety risks, as well as reduced cleaning efficiency due to the need for manual handling of contaminated pads.

Innovation Solution

A pad changer system that automatically replaces contaminated pads with new ones using a separation cartridge and mounting cartridge, integrated with a rotating base and gear mechanism, allowing for seamless pad exchange without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual pad replacement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidpad changer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pad changer enables the cleaner to automatically replace its own pads without user intervention. The separation cartridge automatically detaches the contaminated pad from the cleaner, and the mounting cartridge automatically attaches a fresh pad, allowing the system to service itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pad replacement function is divided into two independent modules: a separation cartridge for removing contaminated pads and a mounting cartridge for installing fresh pads. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual pad handling is required, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to contamination spillage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination spillageVSAvoiduser intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation cartridge acts as an intermediary between the user and the contaminated pad. It automatically detaches the contaminated pad from the cleaner and contains it within the cartridge structure, preventing contamination from spreading to the user or environment during the replacement process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contaminated pad is extracted from the cleaner by the separation cartridge and isolated within the cartridge housing. This extraction process removes the harmful contaminated pad from the operational area, preventing it from causing spillage or safety issues during handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9717388B2Pad changer, cleaner and cleaner system having the same

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A pad changer capable of automatically replacing a pad used to wipe out dust on a floor, a cleaner and a cleaner system having the pad changer are provided. The pad changer to replace a pad mounted to a cleaner includes a replacement unit. The replacement unit includes a separation cartridge to separate the pad from the cleaner and receive the separated pad therein, and a mounting cartridge to receive a pad therein and mount the pad to the cleaner.