Autonomous Crawling Mite Remover for Hands-Free Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mite removers require user operation to move the device, making the mite removal process inconvenient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A crawling mite remover equipped with a processor, motors, and legs that can autonomously navigate and perform mite removal along a target path, switching between crawling and hibernation states to complete the task without user intervention, and logs the removal process for user review.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional mite remover is used, then mite removal function is achieved, but user operation is required which reduces convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of mite removalVSAvoidautomatic crawling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The mite remover is equipped with crawling legs and control systems that enable it to move and navigate autonomously without human intervention. The device can independently crawl into furniture crevices, position itself for mite removal, and execute cleaning operations, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical pushing system with an automated crawling mechanism. Instead of requiring users to physically move the device, electric motors and leg mechanisms enable autonomous movement, substituting human mechanical action with automated electromechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the mite remover is made autonomous with crawling capability, then operation convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic mite removalVSAvoidcrawling mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crawling mechanism is divided into modular leg assemblies, each with its own motor and control system. This segmentation allows the complex crawling function to be broken down into manageable independent units that can be controlled separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining autonomous mobility capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The crawling legs serve multiple functions: they provide mobility for navigation, enable the device to access tight spaces, and can potentially serve as structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving autonomous operation.

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

3Ease of operation

If the mite remover crawls to complete removal, then user intervention is reduced, but time for positioning and movement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free operationVSAvoidtime for crawling and positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mite remover performs preliminary positioning and navigation actions automatically before the actual mite removal process. By pre-positioning itself in optimal locations and navigating to target areas autonomously, the device eliminates the time users would otherwise spend manually positioning the device, making the overall process more efficient despite the added movement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The crawling and mite removal operations are performed continuously without interruption. The device moves and cleans in an unbroken sequence, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual operation where users repeatedly position and adjust the device. This continuous operation reduces total time despite the inclusion of movement phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3815596B1Method of removing mites and mite remover
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3815596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3815596B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3815596B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method of removing mites includes: acquiring (101) a target path for mite removal and switching from a hibernation state to a crawling state upon receiving a mite removing instruction; in the crawling state, crawling (102) according to the target path and performing mite removal during the crawling process; and after crawling to an end position of the target path, switching (103) from the crawling state to the hibernation state. A mite remover is further provided.