Autonomous floor cleaner and docking station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous floor cleaners face challenges in secure and efficient docking with docking stations, particularly in ensuring safe interlocking mechanisms and convenient module swapping for different cleaning modes.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous floor cleaner system incorporates a lockable member and a lock mechanism that engages with the docking station, along with an interlock feature that physically secures the cleaner during docking and allows for module swapping, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to secure the floor cleaner to the docking station, then reliability of docking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a magnetic field-based interlocking mechanism. Magnets embedded in the docking station and floor cleaner create automatic magnetic attraction and alignment, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical locks, latches, or fasteners while achieving secure docking.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic interlocking system enables self-alignment and self-securing of the floor cleaner to the docking station. The magnetic forces automatically guide the components into proper alignment and maintain secure connection without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable modules are added for different cleaning modes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the floor cleaner into modular functional units (e.g., vacuum modules, wet cleaning modules, dry cleaning modules) that can be independently attached or detached. Each module is designed as a separate interchangeable component with standardized interfaces, allowing users to configure the system based on specific cleaning needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base unit with standardized mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of cleaning modules. This universal design allows a single floor cleaner platform to perform multiple cleaning functions by simply swapping modules, eliminating the need for separate devices for different cleaning modes.
3Reliability
If an interlock feature is added to physically secure the foldable portion, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock mechanisms (such as latches, clips, or fasteners) with magnetic interlocking for the foldable portion. Magnets provide automatic engagement and secure holding of the foldable components during operation, eliminating complex mechanical interlocking systems while maintaining structural reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An autonomous floor cleaning system includes an interlock for physically interlocking an autonomous floor cleaner with a docking station. The interlock selectively engages when the robot is docked at the docking station, and can automatically engage as when a predefined locking criterion is met. The interlock can remain engaged until a predefined unlocking criterion is met. Methods for docking an autonomous floor cleaner with a docking station are disclosed.