Cleaning system for self-moving cleaning device and cleaning method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sweeping robots cannot automatically clean their mops, requiring manual intervention which compromises the automated cleaning process.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for a self-moving cleaning device to align with a washing device, using a cleaning unit with a roller brush and water outlet to autonomously clean the mop, allowing for efficient and automatic mop maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the sweeping robot uses dry-cleaning or wet-cleaning mode to clean the floor, then the cleaning performance is maintained, but the mop accumulates dirt and dust requiring manual replacement or washing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidmanual mop maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the sweeping robot automatically returns to the washing device to clean its own mop. The washing device includes a cleaning unit with a roller brush that rotates to scrape dirt from the mop, and a water outlet that sprays cleaning liquid. This automated self-cleaning system eliminates the need for manual mop maintenance while maintaining continuous cleaning performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If the sweeping robot cannot automatically clean the mop, then the automated cleaning function is limited, but manual cleaning intervention is required which compromises the automatic sweeping effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic cleaning functionVSAvoidmanual intervention time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the sweeping robot to autonomously perform mop cleaning by returning to the washing device. The cleaning unit automatically applies cleaning liquid and uses the rotating roller brush to remove dirt from the mop surface. This complete automation eliminates manual intervention time and extends the automated cleaning function to include both floor cleaning and mop maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The washing device performs preliminary cleaning actions by spraying cleaning liquid onto the mop before the roller brush scrapes the dirt. This pre-wetting action softens accumulated dirt and makes it easier to remove, enhancing the overall cleaning efficiency and completing the automated maintenance cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If a cleaning unit with roller brush and water outlet is added, then automated mop cleaning is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated mop cleaningVSAvoidcleaning system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the water outlet and roller brush cleaning mechanisms into a single integrated cleaning unit. The water outlet sprays cleaning liquid onto the mop while the roller brush simultaneously scrapes the dirt away. This combination of washing and mechanical scraping in one unit achieves automated mop cleaning while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 fully automated floor cleaning and mop cleaning without human intervention, improving the efficiency and reducing the need for manual maintenance of the cleaning robot.

Implementation Method 1

a water outlet configured to spray cleaning liquid in a direction facing the first mop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 2

cleaning the first mop using a cleaning member of the cleaning unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240081598A1Cleaning system for self-moving cleaning device and cleaning method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.03.14 HOBOT TECH INC
  • US20240081598A1 patent drawing
  • US20240081598A1 patent drawing
  • US20240081598A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention involves a washing device and a cleaning method for cleaning self-moving cleaning devices. The cleaning method includes: moving the self-moving cleaning device towards the washing device, and causing a first side of the self-moving cleaning device to be aligned with the washing device, wherein the self-moving cleaning device includes a mop; and moving a mop to a location over a cleaning unit of the washing device, and cleaning the mop of the cleaning member of the cleaning unit, including, during a first period, causing the cleaning unit in a first direction over the first side; and during a second period, causing the self-moving cleaning device to move in a second direction different from the first direction.