Autonomous Wet-Cleaning Robot with Forward Weight Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual and industrial floor cleaning methods are labor-intensive and inefficient, particularly in large areas, as they require frequent rinsing of cleaning solutions and handling of heavy equipment, leading to contamination and reduced cleaning effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous surface treatment robot with a weight distribution system that includes a chassis, drive wheels, a vacuum assembly, and a cleaning liquid supply, allowing for efficient wet cleaning in tight spaces with a navigation system to manage cleaning fluid application and waste collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual floor cleaning is performed using a mop or sponge, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained through scrubbing action, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system performs self-service by automatically applying cleaning fluid, scrubbing the surface, and collecting waste liquid without human intervention. The scrubbing element rotates autonomously to agitate the cleaning fluid and loosen contaminants, while the waste collection mechanism automatically rinses and stores used fluid, eliminating the need for manual labor in all cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. A motor-driven scrubbing element substitutes for manual scrubbing action, a pump system replaces manual fluid application, and an automated waste collection mechanism substitutes for manual rinsing and waste disposal, thereby eliminating labor-intensive operations while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Area of stationary object
If cleaning fluid is repeatedly used and rinsed, then cleaning coverage area increases, but cleaning fluid effectiveness deteriorates due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system segments the cleaning fluid into separate functional zones: a clean fluid reservoir for fresh cleaning solution, a scrubbing zone where the fluid is applied and activated, and a waste collection zone for contaminated fluid. This segmentation prevents mixing of clean and contaminated fluids, allowing the clean reservoir to be refilled without contamination while the waste zone is separately emptied, thereby maintaining cleaning fluid effectiveness across large coverage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically discards contaminated cleaning fluid into a separate waste collection container and recovers clean fluid by refilling from a dedicated reservoir. This automatic discarding and recovering process ensures that cleaning fluid is replaced before contamination degrades its effectiveness, enabling continuous operation over large areas without manual intervention or loss of cleaning performance.
3Productivity
If industrial wet cleaning robots are made large and heavy, then cleaning capability for large areas is improved, but device complexity and operational independence decrease due to need for operator attendance
Solution Approach 1:
The robot employs dynamic weight distribution with movable counterweights that automatically adjust position based on the amount of cleaning fluid and waste collected. This dynamic balancing system maintains stable operation throughout the cleaning cycle without operator intervention. The system also dynamically adjusts scrubbing speed, fluid application rate, and navigation patterns to optimize cleaning efficiency for large areas while maintaining full operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot incorporates multiple sensors that continuously monitor cleaning progress, fluid levels, waste collection status, and surface conditions. This feedback system automatically adjusts operational parameters such as scrubbing intensity, fluid application rate, and navigation routes to maintain optimal cleaning performance across large areas. The feedback mechanisms enable the robot to operate independently by self-correcting and adapting to changing conditions without operator attendance.
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 effective and efficient cleaning of surfaces by maintaining constant weight distribution, allowing for thorough wet cleaning in tight spaces without the need for frequent rinsing, reducing labor and equipment handling issues while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator carried by the chassis and in fluid communication with the supply volume. The applicator is configured to dispense the cleaning liquid onto the cleaning surface
Implementation Method 2
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
Implementation Method 3
The suction region is configured to suction waste from the cleaning surface through the collection region
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.