Cleaning device for a self-propelled soil cultivation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled floor treatment devices are unable to effectively clean wall sections close to the floor, as their lateral brushes are oriented towards the floor surface and cannot reach exposed end faces or higher areas, leading to manual cleaning being necessary, which contradicts the concept of autonomous cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a fixing element and a pivoting cleaning element carrier that can be detachably connected to a self-propelled floor treatment device, allowing for autonomous cleaning of wall sections by adjusting its position to avoid obstacles and using textile or brush elements for effective dust and dirt removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cleaning device is made higher to reach wall sections, then wall cleaning capability improves, but the device may get jammed on obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall section reachVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivoting element enables the cleaning element carrier to dynamically adjust its position, allowing it to reach wall sections while maintaining the ability to navigate around obstacles. The pivot mechanism acts as a mechanical compliance feature that prevents jamming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting connection provides a flexible joint between the fixing element and cleaning element carrier, allowing the cleaning device to adapt its configuration during movement, similar to how flexible structures avoid rigid contact with obstacles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Device complexity

If cleaning elements are permanently fixed, then structural simplicity is maintained, but maintenance and replacement are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidcleaning element replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning elements are mounted on a separate carrier that can be independently removed and replaced. This modular design maintains overall structural simplicity while enabling easy maintenance of consumable components without affecting the main device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier is pre-configured with mounting mechanisms that facilitate quick attachment and detachment of cleaning elements. This preliminary preparation of the mounting system enables rapid replacement without complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3100659B1Cleaning device for a self-propelled soil cultivation device
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP3100659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3100659B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3100659B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device for a self-propelled floor treatment device, the cleaning device being suitable for cleaning wall sections close to the floor which adjoin a floor area to be cleaned.