Cleaning apparatus and use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices lack the ability to generate predefined patterns on surfaces within a cleaning environment, which can enhance organization and provide additional functional markings.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device equipped with a control unit capable of generating predefined patterns using cleaning tools, such as brushes or wiping cloths, by controlling the device's movement and tool activation/deactivation to create patterns like lines, symbols, or logos on surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cleaning devices perform only basic cleaning tasks, then the device structure remains simple, but the functional versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is equipped with a control unit that enables it to perform multiple functions: not only basic cleaning tasks but also generating predefined patterns on surfaces. The control unit receives pattern data and controls the cleaning tool to create various patterns (lines, circles, logos, text) while moving autonomously through the environment, thus providing universal functionality without requiring separate specialized devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the cleaning device generates predefined patterns on surfaces, then the organization and tidiness of the environment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironment organizationVSAvoidcontrol unit requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing cleaning device is enhanced by integrating a control unit that adds pattern generation capability to the basic cleaning function. The same autonomous navigation and cleaning tool are utilized for both cleaning tasks and pattern creation, making the device universal and avoiding the need for separate specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device autonomously navigates through the environment and generates patterns without requiring manual intervention. The control unit independently receives pattern data, plans the movement paths, controls the cleaning tool activation/deactivation, and executes the pattern generation task automatically, making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the cleaning tool is continuously activated during movement, then cleaning coverage is maximized, but pattern definition and visibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidpattern definition
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit controls the cleaning tool to be activated and deactivated periodically according to the pattern requirements. During pattern generation, the tool is activated only when needed to create specific pattern elements and deactivated during movement between pattern elements, creating a periodic on/off cycle that ensures both pattern definition and cleaning coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning tool's activation state is dynamically adjusted based on the current operational phase. The control unit dynamically switches the tool between active and inactive states according to the pattern data and current position, optimizing the balance between pattern visibility and cleaning effectiveness throughout the operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4666924A1Cleaning apparatus and use
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP4666924A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4666924A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4666924A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cleaning device (1) comprising at least one cleaning tool (2) and at least one control unit (4), wherein the cleaning device is designed and configured to move autonomously within a cleaning environment (6) and to perform cleaning tasks. A cleaning device (1) with extended functionality, ensuring reliable navigation within the cleaning environment (6), is realized by designing and configuring the control unit (4) to generate at least one predefined pattern (9) on a surface (10) of the cleaning environment (6), at least using the cleaning tool.