Cleaning robot and cleaning device comprising same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot cleaners face difficulties in conveniently attaching and detaching pads due to their weight and limited user visibility, especially when multiple pads are involved, which complicates the replacement process and may damage sensors.

Innovation Solution

A robot cleaner design featuring a detachable pad support module with a first drive shaft and power transmission units that allow for easy pad replacement without overturning, utilizing a first and second drive shaft system for rotating the pad support module, and a guide portion for precise alignment and power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a cleaning robot uses a single brush roller for both main cleaning and edge cleaning, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness at edges and corners deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single brush roller is segmented into two functional zones: a first brush portion for main cleaning and a second brush portion for edge cleaning. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while using a single integrated roller structure, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the brush roller are designed with different properties: the first brush portion has bristles suited for general surface cleaning, while the second brush portion has bristles configured for edge and corner cleaning. This local differentiation ensures optimal cleaning performance in different areas without requiring separate rollers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the main cleaning brush contacts the cleaning surface with high force, then cleaning productivity is improved, but the brush wear increases and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning productivityVSAvoidbrush durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing force of the main cleaning brush is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The pressing force adjustment unit allows the pressing force to be changed based on cleaning requirements, enabling high productivity when needed while reducing wear during normal operation, thus improving overall brush durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing force parameter of the main cleaning brush is made variable through the pressing force adjustment unit. By changing this parameter dynamically, the system can optimize between cleaning productivity and brush wear, extending brush life while maintaining high cleaning effectiveness when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the cleaning robot has fixed brush roller specifications, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different cleaning surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidadaptability to different surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brush roller system incorporates adjustable parameters including pressing force and rotation speed. These dynamic adjustments allow the same brush roller to adapt to different cleaning surfaces and requirements, providing versatility without compromising manufacturing precision of the roller itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brush roller is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both main cleaning and edge cleaning functions. By integrating multiple functions into a single component with adjustable parameters, the system achieves broad adaptability to different cleaning scenarios while maintaining precise manufacturing standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If the cleaning robot operates continuously at high power, then cleaning productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning productivityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation speed of the brush roller is controlled to vary periodically or dynamically based on cleaning needs rather than operating at constant high speed. This allows high productivity during critical cleaning phases while reducing energy consumption during less demanding periods, improving overall energy efficiency and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation speed parameter of the brush roller is made variable to match cleaning requirements. By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves high productivity when necessary while consuming less energy during normal operation, thereby improving both energy efficiency and motor reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 pad attachment and detachment without overturning, improves user experience by allowing alignment without restricted vision, and ensures efficient power transmission for effective cleaning operations.

Implementation Method 1

a first brush portion configured to contact the cleaning surface when the cleaning robot is in the idle state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

rotating the first brush portion about the cleaning robot, and rotating the second brush portion about the cleaning robot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical abrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 3

a suction unit configured to lift a particle from the cleaning surface when the cleaning robot is in the cleaning state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4464215B1Cleaning robot and cleaning device comprising same
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4464215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4464215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4464215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A robot cleaner according to an example may include a robot cleaner body, a pad support module detachably connected to a lower surface of the robot cleaner body and having a bottom to which a pad is attachable, a driving motor accommodated in the robot cleaner body, a first drive shaft disposed on the lower surface of the robot cleaner body and rotating about a first direction by receiving power from the driving motor, a first power transmission unit extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and arranged to be fixed to one end of the first drive shaft, a second drive shaft arranged to be fixed to an upper portion of the pad support module and rotating about the first direction together with the pad support module by receiving power from the first power transmission unit, an accommodating groove disposed in an upper portion of the second drive shaft and into which the first drive shaft and the first power transmission unit are inserted, a guide portion disposed below the accommodating groove and configured to guide a rotation path so that the first power transmission unit rotates at a predetermined angle about the first drive shaft, and a second power transmission unit disposed on one end of the guide portion and configured to receive power from the first power transmission unit by contacting the first power transmission unit, and rotate the second drive shaft.