Base Station Automatic Wiping Member Replacement for Cleaning Robots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning robots require manual intervention for wiping member replacement, leading to poor user experience and potential hand contamination.

Innovation Solution

An automatic cleaning system with a base station that includes a storage module, feeding module, and cutting module to autonomously cut and replace wiping members, allowing the cleaning robot to operate without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual replacement of wiping member is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring continuous user attention and intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station is equipped with an automatic replacement system that includes a storage module for storing wiping members, a feeding module for conveying wiping members to the cleaning robot, and a cutting module for cutting wiping members to the required size. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention in replacing wiping members during cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The replacement system is divided into distinct functional modules: a storage module for inventory management, a feeding module for automated delivery, and a cutting module for precise sizing. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, achieving automated replacement while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If manual replacement of wiping member is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to user intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding module continuously supplies wiping members to the cleaning robot without interruption. The storage module maintains an inventory of wiping members ready for use, and the cutting module is prepared to cut new wiping members immediately when needed, ensuring continuous cleaning operation without time loss for manual replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Wiping members are pre-stored in the storage module and pre-positioned for quick access. When the cleaning robot needs a new wiping member, the feeding module can immediately convey it from the storage module to the robot, eliminating the time required for users to manually search for and replace wiping members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If automated replacement system is added, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the storage module serves as both storage and feeding origin, the feeding module handles both conveyance and positioning, and the cutting module provides precise sizing. This multi-functionality achieves high automation while consolidating components to manage overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automated replacement system is added, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for module integration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each module is designed with specialized local characteristics optimized for its specific function. The storage module has features optimized for wiping member storage, the feeding module has features optimized for precise conveyance and positioning, and the cutting module has features optimized for accurate cutting. This local quality optimization allows each module to achieve high precision in its specific task while maintaining overall system productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3967201B1Base station, and robot cleaning system and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 POSITEC POWER TOOLS (SUZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3967201B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3967201B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3967201B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a base station for a cleaning robot to park in, where the cleaning robot includes a wiping board, and a flexible wiping member replaceably butts the wiping board to form a wiping surface to wipe a working surface on which the cleaning robot moves, where the base station includes: a storage module, configured to store a continuous wiping base material; and a feeding module, configured to drive a free end of the wiping base material to be conveyed to a cutting position, to cause the free end to be cut from the wiping base material to form the wiping member. The present invention has the following beneficial effects: After returning to the base station, the cleaning robot may automatically mount a wiping member without intervention by a user.