Device base, water storage device and cleaning robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water storage devices, such as humidifiers and intelligent watering systems, require manual water addition and removal, which is inconvenient and not fully automatic.
Innovation Solution
A device base with a housing, water tank, water pump, and infrared module that allows for automatic water filling and pouring by interacting with a cleaning robot, enabling the device base to dock and exchange water with the robot using a water passage and positioning members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual water addition and removal is used in water storage devices, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and automation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning robot automatically docks with the device base and performs water exchange operations without human intervention. The robot's water tank connects to the base's water passage, enabling automatic water filling and emptying through the docking interface, thus making the system self-servicing regarding water management
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning robot acts as an intermediary between the user and the water storage device. Instead of users manually handling water, the robot mediates the water exchange process by docking with the base, transferring water between its tank and the base's water passage, and thereby automating the previously manual operation
2Productivity
If manual water management is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and automation level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-service in water management through the cleaning robot that autonomously docks with the device base, connects its water tank to the base's water passage, and automatically performs water filling and emptying operations, thereby improving productivity without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning robot prepares for water exchange by navigating to and docking with the device base before the actual water transfer occurs. The positioning members ensure proper alignment of water passages in advance, enabling the subsequent automated water transfer to proceed efficiently
3Reliability
If docking mechanism with positioning members is added, then the reliability of water connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical docking mechanisms with a simplified positioning system using positioning members (such as positioning holes and positioning posts) that guide the cleaning robot into the correct position. This mechanical guidance system ensures reliable water passage alignment without requiring complex actuators or sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning members act as intermediaries between the cleaning robot and the device base, ensuring proper alignment of the water passages during docking. These positioning features mediate the connection process by providing mechanical guidance that ensures reliable water flow path alignment without complex control systems
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 automatic water management, enhancing the intelligence and convenience of water storage devices by allowing for seamless water exchange and level adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump within the housing; a first water pipe connecting the water passage opening with the water pump; a second water pipe connecting the water pump with the first water tank
Implementation Method 2
a first infrared module within the housing, a signal terminal of the first infrared module facing the first opening, and the first infrared module being configured to transmit or receive an infrared signal that indicates a position of the device base or a position of a cleaning robot connected with the device base
Data Source
AI summary
A device base includes a housing having a first opening penetrating the housing; a first water tank; a water pump within the housing; a water passage opening on the housing; a first water pipe connecting the water passage opening with the water pump; a second water pipe connecting the water pump with the first water tank; a first infrared module within the housing, with its signal terminal facing the first opening and configured to transmit or receive an infrared signal that indicates a position of the device base or of a cleaning robot connected with the device base, to assist the device base in docking with the cleaning robot; and a first positioning member on the housing, configured to limit the cleaning robot when the device base is docked with the cleaning robot, and make a water injection port of the cleaning robot keep docked with the water passage opening.