Automatic cleaning device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning robots are limited to single functions, such as sweeping or mopping, and when combined, their efficiency is reduced, especially for heavily soiled surfaces, and they struggle with mobility due to fixed cleaning components.
Innovation Solution
An automatic cleaning apparatus with a mobile platform and integrated dry- and wet-cleaning modules, featuring a lifting and lowering structure and a reciprocating cleaning head, allowing for comprehensive cleaning and improved mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used, then flexibility in accessing different toilet bowl areas is improved, but cleaning efficiency and thoroughness deteriorate due to time-consuming processes and missed spots
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system performs automated cleaning operations without requiring manual intervention. The robotic device navigates autonomously, positions itself, and executes cleaning cycles independently, eliminating the need for human operators to manually access different toilet bowl areas while maintaining thorough cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated robotic system equipped with spray nozzles, rotatable brushes, and suction mechanisms. This substitution enables continuous automated cleaning cycles while the robotic device autonomously navigates and positions itself to access various toilet bowl areas.
2Device complexity
If traditional cleaning tools are used, then device simplicity is improved, but cleaning completeness deteriorates due to hard-to-reach areas being missed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple functional modules including spray nozzles for pre-wetting, rotatable brushes for scrubbing, and suction mechanisms for waste removal. Each module targets specific cleaning tasks and can be independently controlled, enabling comprehensive coverage of all toilet bowl surfaces including hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device incorporates dynamically adjustable components including rotatable brushes that can change orientation, movable spray nozzles that can target different areas, and a flexible suction system. These dynamic elements enable the system to adapt to various toilet bowl geometries and ensure complete cleaning coverage.
3Productivity
If automated cleaning systems are implemented, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaning device performs multiple cleaning functions including spraying, brushing, and suction within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive toilet bowl cleaning in one automated cycle, improving cleaning efficiency while avoiding the need for multiple separate cleaning devices or manual intervention for different cleaning tasks.
4Reliability
If comprehensive cleaning coverage is achieved, then cleaning quality is improved, but cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates in continuous automated cycles where the robotic device continuously navigates, positions itself, and executes cleaning operations without interruption. The spray, brush, and suction functions operate in coordinated continuous sequences, ensuring comprehensive cleaning coverage is achieved efficiently without manual intervention or downtime between cleaning stages.
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
Enhances cleaning effectiveness on heavily soiled surfaces by repeated cleaning actions and improves mobility by lifting and lowering the cleaning modules, ensuring efficient and thorough cleaning without increased resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a spray nozzle to direct a spray of cleaning solution onto a surface of the toilet bowl
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable brush to scrub a surface of the toilet bowl
Implementation Method 3
a suction mechanism to suction waste from the toilet bowl
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An automatic cleaning device, comprising: a mobile platform (100) configured to automatically move on an operation surface; and a cleaning module (150) that is disposed on the mobile platform (100) and comprises: a dry cleaning module (151) configured to clean at least a part of the operation surface by means of dry cleaning; a wet cleaning module (400) configured to clean at least a part of the operation surface by means of wet cleaning; and a lifting/lowering structure (500) connected to the wet cleaning module (400) and configured to enable the wet cleaning module (400) to move up and down with respect to the mobile platform (100). The wet cleaning module (400) comprises: a cleaning head (410) used for cleaning the operation surface; and a driving unit (420) used for driving the cleaning head (410) to reciprocate along a target surface, the target surface being a part of the operation surface.