Floor Cleaning Nozzle Retraction for Level Difference Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor surface cleaning robots face damage and operational issues when encountering level differences due to the strong contact between the intake nozzle and the surface, particularly at higher speeds, and the position adjustment mechanisms are complex and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a movable cleaning unit that includes an intake nozzle, a cam member, and an operation input unit to retract the nozzle upward when encountering level differences, preventing damage and allowing smooth movement by adjusting the intake nozzle's position using a simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the intake nozzle is positioned close to the floor surface for effective cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but the intake nozzle is damaged when colliding with level differences
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is made movable in the vertical direction through a sliding mechanism, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The intake nozzle can move closer to the floor surface for effective cleaning, then retract upward when level differences are detected, preventing damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotator is positioned to contact level differences before the intake nozzle does. When the rotator encounters a level difference, it triggers the cleaning unit to move upward in advance, preventing the intake nozzle from colliding with the obstacle while maintaining the cleaning configuration during normal operation
2Productivity
If the cleaning apparatus moves at high speed to improve productivity, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the intake nozzle strongly collides with level differences causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotator serves as a preliminary sensor that detects level differences before the intake nozzle reaches them. When the rotator contacts an obstacle, it triggers the cleaning unit to move upward in advance, allowing the apparatus to maintain high speed while preventing collision damage through proactive position adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If springs are provided in auxiliary wheels to maintain gap, then the apparatus can pass over small level differences, but the elastic force hampers upward movement and causes strong collision at higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit's vertical movement capability allows it to dynamically respond to level differences by moving upward when obstacles are detected, replacing the passive spring mechanism with an active, controlled position adjustment system that can prevent collisions before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The rotator acts as a feedback sensor that detects level differences and triggers the position adjustment mechanism. This feedback system allows the cleaning unit to automatically adjust its position in response to detected obstacles, preventing collision damage while maintaining the ability to handle various floor conditions
4Reliability
If the dust collecting apparatus is elevated to prevent collision, then the intake nozzle is protected from level differences, but the position adjustment mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The position adjustment function is segmented into a simple sliding mechanism for vertical movement and a separate rotation mechanism for the dial unit. This segmentation allows the cleaning unit to move upward for protection while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple and manageable through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member acts as an intermediary between the dial unit's rotational input and the cleaning unit's vertical movement. This intermediary mechanism translates simple rotational motion into the required vertical displacement, protecting the intake nozzle while maintaining mechanism simplicity through mechanical advantage
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 solution effectively prevents damage to the intake nozzle by retracting it upward when encountering level differences, ensuring smooth movement and easy operation, even in the presence of surface irregularities, and allows for safe and efficient cleaning without hindrance from surface variations.
Implementation Method 1
a cam member configured to hold the cleaning unit at the limit position by a cam face being supported on an upper face of the positioning member
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member configured to apply a force to the lock member in the rotation direction of the cam member
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus may include a cleaning unit that is kept from moving downwardly from a predetermined limit position. The apparatus body includes a positioning member that positions the cleaning unit at the limit position. The cleaning unit includes an intake nozzle that is arranged at a position separated from the surface to be cleaned by a predetermined gap, a cam member that holds the cleaning unit at the limit position, and an operation input unit that changes the limit position to a higher position by moving the cleaning unit upward by operating the cam member.