Cleaning Pad Structure for High Absorption Without Robot Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional floor cleaning methods, such as using wet mops, require manual scrubbing and bending, which can be physically demanding and inefficient, especially for large areas, and may not effectively absorb and retain cleaning fluids without expanding, potentially impeding the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning pad with an absorbent core containing cellulose fibers and a liner layer that wicks moisture and debris without expanding, designed for use with a compact mobile robot, allowing for efficient fluid absorption and retention without impeding the robot's movement or cleaning efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a cleaning pad absorbs large amounts of liquid material, then the absorption capacity is improved, but the pad expands and raises the front edge of the robot, impeding movement and cleaning efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical properties of the absorbent core materials and their configuration. The blend of hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibers, along with controlled bond density and superabsorbent polymer content, regulates how the pad absorbs and distributes liquid while maintaining dimensional stability. This resolves the contradiction by changing material parameters to achieve high absorption without excessive expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning pad uses composite materials consisting of a fiber blend including hydrophilic fibers ( rayon, viscose, cellulose), hydrophobic fibers (polyester, polypropylene), and superabsorbent polymers. This composite structure allows different materials to perform complementary functions: hydrophilic fibers wick liquid, hydrophobic fibers provide structural stability, and superabsorbent polymers retain large volumes of liquid. The combination resolves the contradiction between absorption capacity and shape maintenance.
2Force
If a cleaning pad applies maximum downward force to the floor surface, then cleaning efficacy is improved, but the robot becomes heavier and harder to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the robot's weight parameters and force distribution characteristics. The robot is designed to weigh between 2-5 lbs and apply 1-2 lbs of downward force on the pad, representing carefully selected parameter ranges that balance cleaning effectiveness with maneuverability. This resolves the contradiction by changing force and weight parameters to optimal values rather than maximizing either extreme.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies counterweight principles through the robot's structural design and center of gravity positioning. The pad holder and internal components are configured to distribute weight evenly, with the pad positioned to optimize the weight distribution ratio between the pad and drive wheels. This counterbalancing approach allows the robot to maintain sufficient downward force for effective cleaning while remaining lightweight and maneuverable.
3Volume of moving object
If the cleaning pad is made compact and lightweight for robot integration, then robot portability is improved, but the pad's ability to absorb and retain fluid is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the pad's physical dimensions, material density, and compositional ratios. The pad thickness is controlled at 0.5-0.7mm while incorporating superabsorbent polymers and optimized fiber blends that maximize absorption per unit volume. The superabsorbent polymer content (5-20% by weight) and fiber ratio adjustments enable compact pads to achieve high fluid retention capacity, resolving the contradiction between compact size and absorption ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies porous materials principles through the use of nonwoven fabric structures with controlled porosity and the incorporation of superabsorbent polymers. The porous structure of the fiber blend allows rapid liquid uptake while the superabsorbent polymers create a three-dimensional network that traps and retains large volumes of fluid within the compact pad structure. This resolves the contradiction by using porous material properties to achieve high absorption in a compact form factor.
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 cleaning pad effectively absorbs and retains up to 90% of applied fluid, distributing it evenly throughout the core, preventing puddling and ensuring the robot maintains maximum downward force, thus enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing physical strain on the user.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent core containing fiber material which absorbs and retains liquid material
Implementation Method 2
the absorbent core retains up to about 90% by volume of the liquid material absorbed; the liquid material is substantially evenly distributed throughout the absorbent core
Implementation Method 3
a liner layer (also herein throughout called a 'wrap layer') in contact with and covering at least one side of the absorbent core, containing fiber material which retains and wicks liquid material through the liner layer
Data Source
AI summary
A pad particularly adapted for surface cleaning. The pad includes an absorbent core having the ability to absorb and retain liquid material, and a liner layer in contact with and covering at least one side of the absorbent core. The liner layer has the ability to retain and wick liquid material through the liner layer. Cleaning apparatus containing such pads and methods of using such pads are also described.