Autonomous Floor-Cleaning Robot With Front Wetting and Waste Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual and industrial floor cleaning methods are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly in large spaces, as they require frequent rinsing of cleaning solutions and manual handling of heavy equipment, leading to contamination and reduced cleaning effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous surface treatment robot with a weight distribution system that maintains constant pressure and thrust, equipped with a vacuum assembly for waste collection and a supply system for cleaning liquid, allowing efficient cleaning and navigation in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual cleaning methods are used with cleaning fluid containers and sponges, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained through scrubbing action, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to be self-sufficient with autonomous navigation capabilities, self-contained cleaning fluid storage, and automatic waste collection. The robot performs cleaning tasks without human intervention, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle cleaning tools and fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into modular components including separate storage containers for cleaning fluid and waste, independent drive mechanisms, and distinct cleaning elements. This segmentation allows for autonomous operation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through coordinated function of individual modules.
2Productivity
If industrial wet cleaning devices are used to clean large areas, then cleaning coverage increases, but device weight and complexity increase requiring operator attendance
Solution Approach 1:
The robot integrates multiple functions into a single autonomous platform including navigation, cleaning fluid dispensing, surface cleaning, waste collection, and self-monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment and operator intervention while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems including electronic navigation control, motorized fluid dispensing, and automated waste collection. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical devices with an autonomous robotic platform that achieves comparable or superior cleaning coverage.
3Duration of action of moving object
If cleaning fluid is repeatedly used and rinsed, then cleaning process continues, but cleaning fluid effectiveness deteriorates due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates waste material from the cleaning environment using dedicated collection containers. By removing contaminants from the cleaning path and storing them in isolated vessels, the system prevents contamination of remaining cleaning fluid, maintaining its effectiveness throughout extended operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot implements a discard-recover cycle where contaminated cleaning fluid and waste are collected in separate containers, isolating them from the active cleaning process. This allows the system to discard contaminated materials and recover cleaning fluid effectiveness by preventing cross-contamination, enabling longer continuous operation.
4Force
If heavy industrial cleaning devices are used, then cleaning power increases, but ease of handling and navigation in confined spaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes physical parameters including reducing overall device mass and dimensions while maintaining adequate cleaning force through efficient mechanical design. The robot's compact form factor enables navigation in confined spaces while integrated components provide sufficient cleaning capability for effective surface treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are arranged in a nested configuration where storage containers, drive mechanisms, and cleaning elements are integrated within a compact chassis. This nested layout minimizes the robot's external dimensions, enabling it to navigate tight spaces while containing all necessary subsystems for effective cleaning operation.
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
The robot enables efficient and autonomous cleaning of surfaces by maintaining cleaning solution effectiveness, reducing labor and equipment handling challenges, and navigating through tight spaces with ease.
Implementation Method 1
a wetting element (204) carried on the baseplate and configured to distribute the cleaning liquid on the cleaning surface
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum assembly (206) carried on the baseplate and configured to collect waste from the cleaning surface
Implementation Method 3
a drive system configured to maneuver the robot over the cleaning surface and including right and left differentially driven wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A surface treatment robot includes a chassis having forward and rear ends and a drive system carried by the chassis. The drive system includes right and left driven wheels and is configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface. The robot includes a vacuum assembly, a collection volume, a supply volume, an applicator, and a wetting element, each carried by the chassis. The wetting element engages the cleaning surface to distribute a cleaning liquid applied to the surface by the applicator. The wetting element distributes the cleaning liquid along at least a portion of the cleaning surface when the robot is driven in a forward direction. The wetting element is arranged substantially forward of a transverse axis defined by the right and left driven wheels, and the wetting element slidably supports at least about ten percent of the mass of the robot above the cleaning surface.