Cleaning device and roller brush component

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sweeping robots with single roller brushes are inconvenient to switch between sweeping modes for different surfaces, requiring manual removal and installation of different brushes.

Innovation Solution

A roller brush component with an adjusting mechanism that includes a rotatable frame, a hard-bristle roller brush, and a soft-bristle roller brush, where the adjusting mechanism, comprising an elastic element and a cam, allows the brushes to change ground clearance, enabling automatic switching between carpet and floor sweeping modes without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single roller brush is used, then the device structure is simple, but the sweeping mode cannot be switched between different surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesweeping mode adaptabilityVSAvoidroller brush structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller brush is divided into two independent segments: a first roller brush for hard floors and a second roller brush for carpets. These segments are mounted on a rotatable frame that can switch between positions, allowing the device to adapt to different sweeping surfaces without requiring a completely different brush configuration for each surface type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roller brush frame is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, enabling dynamic switching between different brush configurations. The adjusting mechanism allows the frame to rotate between a first position (hard floor mode) and a second position (carpet mode), providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If different roller brushes are used for different surfaces, then the sweeping performance is optimized, but manual removal and installation is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesweeping mode switching convenienceVSAvoidtime for brush replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs the brush switching operation automatically through its own adjusting mechanism without requiring external manual intervention. The control system activates the adjusting mechanism to rotate the roller brush frame between positions, enabling the device to service itself by switching between hard floor and carpet modes autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable frame design enables automatic switching between different brush configurations. The adjusting mechanism, driven by the control system, rotates the frame to bring the appropriate brush into contact with the surface, eliminating the need for manual removal and installation of brushes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If an adjusting mechanism is added to enable brush switching, then automatic mode switching is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic brush switchingVSAvoidadjusting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting mechanism utilizes a rotatable frame design that provides automatic brush switching through rotational motion. This dynamic configuration allows the mechanism to transition between hard floor and carpet modes by simply rotating the frame to different positions, achieving automation with relatively simple mechanical components rather than complex multi-stage adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables convenient switching between carpet and floor sweeping modes without manual replacement, ensuring effective cleaning for various surfaces using the appropriate brush type.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic element applies a torque along a first direction to the roller brush frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the cam applies a torque along a second direction to the roller brush frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 3

the first roller brush and the second roller brush have different ground clearances

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3685728B1Cleaning device and roller brush component
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 MIDEA ROBOZONE TECH CO LTD
  • EP3685728B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3685728B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3685728B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The embodiments of the present application provide a cleaning device and a roller brush component. The roller brush component includes a mounting base, a roller brush frame, an adjusting mechanism, a first roller brush and a second roller brush. A notch is formed on one side of the mounting base. The roller brush frame is rotatablely connected with the mounting base. The adjusting mechanism is in driving connection with the roller brush frame to drive the roller brush frame to rotate. The first roller brush and the second roller brush are connected with the roller brush frame, and the roller brushes are positioned in the notch. The roller brush frame, the first roller brush and the second roller brush are configured such that the first roller brush and the second roller brush may have different ground clearances during rotation of the roller brush frame. The first roller brush may correspond to a sweeping mode, and the second roller brush may correspond to another sweeping mode. The adjusting mechanism drives the roller brush frame to rotate to enable the first roller brush or the second roller brush to be in contact with the ground, so that the sweeping modes are switched without manual replacement operations such as disassembly and installation.