Supply and/or disposal system for autonomous floor cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous floor cleaners require manual refilling and emptying of cleaning solutions, limiting their operational autonomy and efficiency, especially in larger areas where tanks may need frequent emptying and refilling.
Innovation Solution
A docking station system that integrates with existing plumbing infrastructure, allowing for automated refilling of cleaning solutions and emptying of waste, using a toilet or other household appliances like dishwashers, to enable long-term autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual refilling and emptying of cleaning solution tanks is required, then device complexity is reduced, but operational autonomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the autonomous floor cleaner with a docking station that integrates plumbing infrastructure connections. The docking station merges water supply, waste disposal, and power charging functions into a single station, enabling automated tank refilling and emptying without requiring complex onboard storage and transport mechanisms in the cleaner itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station serves as an intermediary between the autonomous floor cleaner and the building's plumbing infrastructure. It provides the interface for automated fluid transfer, allowing the cleaner to access water supply and waste disposal capabilities without directly integrating complex plumbing systems into the mobile cleaning unit.
2Productivity
If cleaning solution tanks have limited capacity, then device size is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station performs preliminary refilling of the cleaning solution tank automatically whenever the autonomous floor cleaner returns to dock, even before the tank is completely empty. This proactive refilling ensures the cleaner is always ready for continuous operation without waiting for manual intervention or tank depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous cleaning operation by automatically refilling and emptying tanks at the docking station. The cleaner can operate continuously across multiple rooms and floors without interruption for manual tank servicing, as the docking station handles all fluid transfer operations automatically during each return cycle.
3Ease of operation
If automated liquid supply system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is designed as a multi-functional unit that handles water supply, waste disposal, electrical charging, and potentially communication functions. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single stationary unit, the system achieves high automation without requiring each function to add separate complex subsystems to the mobile cleaner.
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
Enables continuous operation of autonomous floor cleaners without user intervention, leveraging existing home infrastructure for efficient supply and disposal of cleaning fluids and waste, enhancing operational autonomy and reducing manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
a supply conduit, wherein the docking station is configured to be fluidly coupled to a plumbing infrastructure and wherein the liquid supply system is configured to automatically provide liquid to the autonomous floor cleaner
Data Source
AI summary
A system for refilling, emptying and/or recharging of an autonomous floor cleaner includes a docking station adapted to be coupled with a household plumbing infrastructure. The docking station can be provided on a household appliance, which may be a toilet, a dishwasher, or another appliance coupled with the plumbing infrastructure.