Remote-Controlled Cleaning Drone for Hard-to-Reach Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cleaning tools are inadequate for users with limited mobility or dexterity, as they require manual manipulation and cannot reach elevated surfaces, making it difficult to clean hard surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled drone equipped with a chassis, rotary wings, a controller for altitude and speed adjustment, and a head or handle for attaching cleaning sheets or dusters, allowing for targeted cleaning of surfaces at various elevations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning implements are used, then floor cleaning can be performed, but users with limited mobility or dexterity cannot operate them effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of cleaning implements with an automated aerial vehicle system. The cleaning device is mounted on a drone that can be remotely controlled or autonomously navigated, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate handles, apply pressure, or perform repetitive motions. This substitution of mechanical user interaction with automated flight control resolves the contradiction by making cleaning accessible to users with limited mobility while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an aerial vehicle as an intermediary between the user and the cleaning task. Instead of the user directly operating cleaning implements, the user controls the aerial vehicle which carries and deploys the cleaning device. This intermediary system bridges the gap between users with limited physical capability and the physical demands of cleaning, allowing indirect participation in the cleaning process without requiring manual dexterity or mobility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cleaning tools are used, then floor level surfaces can be cleaned, but elevated surfaces such as shelves, countertops and objects cannot be reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions cleaning from a ground-based two-dimensional operation to a three-dimensional aerial operation. By mounting the cleaning device on an aerial vehicle, the system can access elevated surfaces, overhead areas, and hard-to-reach locations that are inaccessible to conventional floor-based cleaning tools. This dimensional change enables versatile cleaning of surfaces at any height while the remote control system maintains ease of operation regardless of the target surface's elevation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual dusting with dusters is used, then accessible surfaces can be dusted, but surfaces out of reach or requiring fine dexterity cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual duster manipulation with automated aerial vehicle control. Instead of requiring users to manually handle dusters, adjust their grip, and perform precise manual motions, the system uses a remotely controlled or autonomous aerial vehicle to position and deploy the cleaning device. This substitution eliminates the dexterity requirements of manual dusting while maintaining the ability to clean any reachable surface through flight control.
Data Source
AI summary
A drone which can be piloted by a user. The drone has at least one or both of a depending head and an outwardly extending elongate handle. A cleaning sheet may be removably disposed on the head, to clean a target surface, such as a floor or countertop. A duster may be removably disposed on the handle, to clean a target surface, such as an elevated surface or clean personal items.