Cleaning robot with side brush
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of dirt on the brush arm of a cleaning robot's side brush reduces its cleaning effectiveness due to static attraction and adherence of fibrous or pasty substances, which is exacerbated by moisture and grease, leading to a decrease in cleaning power.
Innovation Solution
A scraper element with a vertical edge is attached to the cleaning robot, guiding the radially outer section of the brush arm to wipe off adhering dirt as it rotates, ensuring the dirt is directed into the suction nozzle for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the side brush rotates continuously to clean the floor surface, then the cleaning coverage and efficiency are improved, but dirt accumulates on the brush arm reducing cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element performs preliminary cleaning action by removing dirt from the brush arm before the brush arm accumulates significant dirt. This preventive measure maintains the brush arm's cleaning effectiveness throughout continuous operation, resolving the contradiction between continuous cleaning efficiency and sustained cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper element is positioned to be automatically engaged by the rotating brush arm, creating a self-service system where the brush arm cleans itself during normal rotation. This eliminates the need for separate maintenance operations while maintaining continuous cleaning effectiveness.
2Productivity
If the brush arm contacts the floor surface to pick up dirt, then dirt collection capability is improved, but static electricity and friction cause dirt to adhere to the brush arm
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element utilizes the rotational motion and pressure already present in the system to convert the harmful adhesion effect into a beneficial cleaning action. By positioning the scraper to engage the brush arm during rotation, the same mechanical contact that causes dirt accumulation is harnessed to remove dirt, transforming the problem into a solution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If moisture and grease are present on the floor surface, then the side brush can handle diverse dirt types, but dirt forms difficult-to-remove layers on the brush arm
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element performs preliminary removal of moisture-bound and grease-bound dirt layers before they can harden and adhere strongly to the brush arm. This preventive action maintains the brush arm's cleaning surfaces free of difficult-to-remove deposits, preserving cleaning effectiveness when handling diverse dirt types including those with moisture and grease.
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 scraper element effectively prevents fibrous and pasty dirt from sticking or tangling on the brush arm, maintaining the cleaning effectiveness by ensuring dirt is collected by the suction nozzle, thus improving the cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
friction against the floor surface can generate static electricity that attracts dust to the brush arm
Implementation Method 2
friction against the floor surface can generate static electricity that attracts dust to the brush arm
Implementation Method 3
The airflow is directed through a suction nozzle that is positioned close to the floor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A cleaning robot (100) comprises a side brush (120) rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (125); wherein the side brush (120) comprises at least one brush arm (130) extending radially from the axis of rotation (125); and a wiper element (155) attached to the cleaning robot (100) with a vertical edge (160); such that a radially outer section (140) of the brush arm (130) is drawn along the edge (160) of the wiper element (155) during its rotational movement about the axis of rotation (125).