Autonomous Surface Cleaner Side Suction Nozzle for Edge Debris Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous surface cleaning apparatus face challenges in effectively cleaning edges due to limitations in side brushes and suction nozzles, as dirt and debris often bypass the cleaning path, and suction nozzles struggle with larger debris and proximity to vertical surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous surface cleaning apparatus with a side suction nozzle featuring resilient blades that extend and retract, allowing close contact with edges, combined with an agitator and airflow generator for enhanced debris capture, and a cyclonic separation system for efficient dirt collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side brushes are used to sweep dirt into the cleaning path, then edge cleaning capability is improved, but dirt and debris can bypass the cleaning path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a side suction nozzle with airflow generation to create negative pressure that actively draws debris into the cleaning path, replacing the passive mechanical sweeping action of side brushes. This pneumatic approach ensures more reliable debris capture that cannot bypass the cleaning path.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force and airflow parameters are optimized to effectively capture and transport debris of various sizes into the cleaning path, transforming the edge cleaning mechanism from mechanical contact to controlled airflow-based debris transport.
2Measurement precision
If suction nozzles are used to capture debris at edges, then small dirt and debris capture is improved, but larger debris cannot be effectively captured
Solution Approach 1:
The side suction nozzle incorporates multiple resilient blades segmented along its length, each capable of independent deflection and contact with the surface. This segmentation allows the nozzle to effectively capture debris of varying sizes, with each blade section handling different debris types and sizes independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient blades are designed to dynamically adapt to surface conditions and debris sizes, flexing and adjusting their position to maintain effective contact with the surface for capturing both small and large debris particles.
3Measurement precision
If suction nozzles are used for edge cleaning, then small debris capture is improved, but the nozzle cannot get as close to vertical surfaces as brush bristles
Solution Approach 1:
The side suction nozzle employs flexible resilient blades that can bend and conform to the surface geometry, allowing the nozzle to maintain close proximity to vertical surfaces and corners while still providing effective suction. The flexibility enables the nozzle to adapt to tight spaces that rigid structures cannot access.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient blades dynamically adjust their position and angle based on the surface geometry, enabling the nozzle to maintain optimal contact with vertical surfaces and edges while preserving suction effectiveness for capturing small debris.
4Productivity
If side suction nozzle with resilient blades is used, then debris direction into cleaning path is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient blades are designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that enable them to naturally deflect and direct debris into the cleaning path through their elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient blades automatically direct debris into the cleaning path through their inherent elasticity and deformation in response to surface contact, without requiring external control mechanisms or complex actuation systems. The structure serves its own function of debris direction passively.
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 apparatus effectively captures dirt and debris at edges, including larger items, by using resilient blades to direct debris into the cleaning path and an agitator to dislodge dirt, while the cyclonic separation system ensures efficient dirt collection and separation.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclonic separation system for efficient dirt collection
Implementation Method 2
a suction channel extending from the suction chamber to a suction channel opening provided in a first side surface of the cleaning assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous surface cleaning apparatus includes a body, a drive system carried by the body, and a cleaning assembly disposed at a front of the body. The cleaning assembly includes a housing defining a suction chamber and a suction channel extending from the suction chamber to a suction channel opening provided in a first side surface of the cleaning assembly, and a side suction nozzle mounted to an extension and retraction assembly that is arranged to allow the side suction nozzle to be moved between an extended position. The side suction nozzle includes a first resilient blade and a second resilient blade, the first resilient blade being arranged such that a surface of the first resilient blade is substantially forward facing and the second resilient blade being arranged such that a surface of the second resilient blade is substantially downward facing.