Cleaning unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning units with agitators struggle to effectively clean carpeted floors due to the inability to adjust the length of the brush or rubber plate, leading to decreased cleaning performance and hygiene issues when manually adjusting the brush, and are unsuitable for automatic cleaning devices.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning unit with a power module, a body part, a shaft, and a brush assembly that uses a cam structure to adjust the brush length automatically in response to floor surface conditions, preventing separation and ensuring stability and hygiene by converting horizontal motion into radial motion for length adjustment and using elastic members to counter centrifugal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the brush length is extended to clean carpet surfaces, then cleaning performance on carpets is improved, but the brush may separate from the agitator due to centrifugal force during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The brush length is made dynamically adjustable through a cam mechanism that allows the brush to extend when needed for carpet cleaning and retract during normal operation. The cam structure converts rotational motion into linear motion to control brush extension, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on cleaning requirements while maintaining stability during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of brush length is changed from fixed to variable. By incorporating a cam mechanism with adjustable positions, the brush length parameter can be modified to match different floor surface conditions (hard floor vs. carpet), optimizing cleaning performance for each surface type while preventing excessive extension that would cause separation during rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the brush length is manually adjusted to adapt to different floor surfaces, then adaptability is improved, but user hygiene deteriorates due to contact with dust and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device performs the adjustment function automatically without requiring user intervention. The cam mechanism is designed to adjust brush length in response to detected floor surface conditions or operational parameters, enabling the system to serve itself by making configuration changes without user contact with contaminated surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment by the user is replaced with an automated control system. The cam mechanism is actuated through automated means (such as sensors detecting floor type or controller-based actuation) rather than manual operation, substituting the mechanical user-adjustment action with an automated control sequence that eliminates direct user contact with dust and dirt.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the brush length is adjusted manually, then adaptability is improved, but the time required for adjustment increases, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured with multiple positional settings that correspond to different floor surface conditions. The adjustment mechanism is designed to quickly transition between these pre-determined positions, allowing the system to rapidly adapt to changing conditions without time-consuming manual adjustments. The preliminary configuration of cam positions enables fast switching between cleaning modes.
4Length of moving object
If the brush protrudes from the agitator to extend length, then cleaning capability on carpets is improved, but the brush may be shaken or separated during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The brush positioning system is made dynamic, allowing the brush to extend and retract as needed. The cam mechanism provides controlled extension while maintaining stability during rotation through proper geometric design. The dynamic system adjusts brush position based on operational requirements, extending only when necessary for carpet cleaning while maintaining stable positioning during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism introduces asymmetric geometry to control brush extension. The cam profile is designed with specific asymmetric features that provide extension in one direction while preventing excessive protrusion or separation during rotation. The asymmetric design allows controlled length adjustment while maintaining rotational stability through the geometric constraints of the cam-follower interaction.
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 solution maintains cleaning performance on various floor surfaces without manual contact with dust or dirt, is suitable for automatic devices, and ensures the brush returns to its original length, providing a stable and efficient cleaning experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first cam extending from a surface in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the body part toward an outer circumferential surface of the shaft through the first through-hole; and a second cam extending from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft toward the first cam
Implementation Method 2
elastic members to counter centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 3
using elastic members to counter centrifugal forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a cleaning unit comprising a variable brush portion. The cleaning unit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a shaft capable of reciprocating along an axial direction, wherein a first cam protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. In addition, the brush portion is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of a body member surrounding the shaft, and the brush portion includes a second cam engaged with the first cam. When the shaft is moved in the axial direction, the first cam pushes the second cam in a radial direction, whereby the brush portion may protrude in the radial direction. That is, as the shaft reciprocates in the axial direction, the length of the brush portion protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the body member may vary.