Autonomous cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face challenges with reduced suction force, inability to separate brush rollers, increased collision probability of the suction unit with obstacles, blind spots in sensing, and inconvenient HEPA filter replacement, which affect their efficiency and usability.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a suction unit protruding from the cleaner body with cover members to prevent collisions, a sensing unit with overlapping fields of view to detect obstacles, and a modular dust container system with easy filter access, allowing for improved navigation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the suction unit protrudes from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved, but the collision probability with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction unit is designed to be movable relative to the cleaner body, capable of protruding forward during cleaning operations and retracting when obstacles are detected by the sensing unit. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize suction force when needed while minimizing collision risks through automatic retraction, directly resolving the technical contradiction between improved suction performance and reduced collision probability.
2Power
If the suction unit protrudes from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved, but the suction unit is located in a blind spot of the sensing unit
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary sensing unit is installed on the suction unit itself to act as an intermediary detection element. This auxiliary sensor specifically monitors the area in front of the protruding suction unit, eliminating the blind spot problem. The main sensing unit continues to provide overall navigation sensing, while the auxiliary unit fills the detection gap, allowing the suction unit to protrude for optimal suction force without creating undetected collision risks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the HEPA filter is integrated into the cleaner body, then the filtration is effective, but the filter replacement requires disassembly of the cleaner body
Solution Approach 1:
The HEPA filter is segmented from the main cleaner body and relocated to the dust container assembly. The dust container is designed as a separable module that can be easily removed from the cleaner body by the user. The HEPA filter is integrated into this modular dust container, so when users need to replace or maintain the filter, they simply remove the dust container module rather than disassembling the entire cleaner body. This segmentation maintains effective filtration while dramatically improving maintenance convenience.
4Reliability
If the dust container has a complex coupling structure, then the assembly is secure, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-step coupling structure is replaced by extracting the essential securing function and implementing it through simple elastic hooks that engage with corresponding slots. The elastic hooks provide secure attachment through their inherent elastic force while allowing easy one-handed assembly and disassembly by simply pressing the release mechanism. This design maintains reliable assembly security while dramatically improving user convenience for dust container installation and removal.
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
Enhances suction efficiency, reduces collision risks, provides comprehensive obstacle detection, and simplifies filter replacement, leading to improved cleaning performance and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a controller, the cleaner body having a dust container accommodation part formed therein; a wheel unit mounted in the cleaner body, the wheel unit of which driving is controlled by the controller; and a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part, wherein a first opening and a second opening are disposed at the same height in an inner wall of the dust container accommodation part, wherein the dust container includes: an entrance and an exit, disposed side by side along the circumference of the dust container, the entrance and the exit, respectively communicating with the first opening and the second opening when the dust container is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part; and a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container.