Autonomous Coverage Robot Rectangular Front Design for Corner Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous floor cleaning robots struggle to effectively navigate and clean corners and edges due to their cylindrical shape, which limits their ability to maneuver and clean in tight spaces.

Innovation Solution

A compact autonomous coverage robot with a rectangular front form factor and a rounded rear section, equipped with differential drive wheels and a cleaning mechanism positioned near the corners, allowing it to flush against walls and corners for efficient cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cylindrical shape is used for the robot, then the robot can maneuver around obstacles freely, but the robot cannot effectively clean corners and edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capability in corners and edgesVSAvoidmaneuverability around obstacles

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The robot body is divided into a rectangular front section and a rounded rear section. The rectangular front section enables effective corner and edge cleaning, while the rounded rear section maintains maneuverability around obstacles. This segmentation allows each section to perform its optimal function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robot employs an asymmetric design with a rectangular front portion and a rounded rear portion. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the front for corner cleaning while the rear maintains mobility, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Productivity

If a rectangular front form factor is used, then the robot can clean along wall edges and in corners effectively, but the robot may have difficulty maneuvering in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectiveness along walls and cornersVSAvoidmaneuverability in tight spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rounded rear section of the robot provides curved surfaces that facilitate maneuvering in tight spaces and around obstacles, while the rectangular front section maintains effective corner cleaning capability. The curvature in the rear portion reduces complexity for navigation in confined areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2995236B1Compact autonomous coverage robot

Publication Date: 2022.10.05 IROBOT CORP

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AI summary

An autonomous coverage robot (100, 101) includes a chassis (200) having forward and rearward portions (210, 220) and a drive system (400) carried by the chassis (200). The forward portion (210) of the chassis (200) defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot (100, 101) includes a cleaning assembly (500) mounted on the forward portion (210) of the chassis (200) and a bin (620) disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly (500) and configured to receive agitated debris. A bin cover (620) is pivotally attached to a lower portion (203) of the chassis (200) and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening (612) defined by the bin (610) and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening (612). The robot (100, 101) includes a body (300) attached to the chassis (200) and a handle (330) disposed on an upper portion (305) of the body (300). A bin cover release (630) is actuatable from substantially near the handle (330).