Cyclonic Cleaning Bin Layout for Compact Robot Vacuum Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning bins for autonomous cleaning robots are inefficient in debris separation, leading to increased power consumption and frequent filter cleaning or replacement, as they do not effectively separate debris from airflow before it reaches the filter, and occupy more space due to larger profiles.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning bin with multiple stages of debris separation, including a debris compartment, particulate compartment, and cyclone formation within a debris separation cone, which separates debris from airflow, reducing the amount of debris reaching the filter and allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cleaning bin without multiple-stage debris separation is used, then the structure is simpler, but debris reaches the filter more frequently, increasing power consumption and requiring frequent filter maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bin is divided into multiple functional compartments: a debris compartment for large debris, a particulate compartment for fine particles, and a filter compartment. This segmentation allows different types of debris to be separated at different stages, reducing the overall debris load on the filter and thereby decreasing power consumption and maintenance frequency.
2Device complexity
If a cleaning bin without multiple-stage debris separation is used, then the structure is simpler, but filter maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris compartment and particulate compartment perform preliminary separation of debris before the air reaches the filter. Large debris is captured in the debris compartment, and fine particles are removed in the particulate compartment, so that the filter receives significantly less debris. This preliminary action reduces the frequency of filter maintenance and extends the time between cleanings.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact cleaning bin design is implemented, then the robot can operate in smaller spaces, but debris separation efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bin employs a nested compartment structure where the particulate compartment is positioned within or adjacent to the debris compartment, and both are integrated into the filter compartment. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of internal space, allowing multiple separation stages to be accommodated in a compact volume while maintaining effective debris separation efficiency.
4Volume of moving object
If a cleaning bin with larger profile is used, then more space is available for debris storage, but the robot cannot operate in smaller spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bin utilizes vertical space by arranging compartments in multiple levels and dimensions rather than only horizontal expansion. The debris compartment, particulate compartment, and filter compartment are stacked or arranged vertically, allowing adequate debris storage capacity while maintaining a compact footprint that enables the robot to navigate through narrow and confined spaces.
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 reduces power consumption by minimizing debris reaching the filter, prolongs filter maintenance intervals, and enables the cleaning bin to be more compact, allowing the autonomous cleaning robot to operate in smaller spaces with improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The inner conduit tapers from the upper opening to the lower opening such that the airflow forms a cyclone within the inner conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning bin mountable to an autonomous cleaning robot operable to receive debris from a floor surface includes a debris compartment to receive a first portion of debris separated from the airflow and a particulate compartment to receive a second portion of debris separated from the airflow. The cleaning bin also includes a debris separation cone having an inner conduit defining an upper opening and lower opening. The upper opening receives the airflow from the air channel. The inner conduit tapers from the upper opening to the lower opening such that the airflow forms a cyclone within the inner conduit.