Device base, water storage device and cleaning robot

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current 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 connecting with a cleaning robot, enabling intelligent and fully automatic operation through a dockable water passage system and positioning mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 due to inconvenient manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning robot automatically performs water addition and removal operations by docking with the device base and utilizing the water pump system, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The robot independently completes water management tasks through automatic docking, water pumping, and reservoir connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of water addition and removal is replaced by an automated system combining infrared signal transmission for docking guidance, water pump for fluid transfer, and positioning members for precise alignment. This substitution transforms manual labor into an automated electromechanical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If manual water management is implemented, then the device complexity is low, but the extent of automation deteriorates as it cannot operate fully automatically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextent of automationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning robot serves dual functions: it performs both cleaning operations and water management tasks by docking with the device base. The device base also serves multiple purposes by housing the water pump, storing water in the reservoir, and providing docking infrastructure for the robot, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves full automation where the cleaning robot independently manages water operations by receiving infrared signals, autonomously docking with the base, and utilizing the water pump system without human intervention. The device base automatically provides water storage and transfer capabilities when the robot docks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automatic water filling and pouring is implemented through robot docking, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water management system is merged with the existing cleaning robot infrastructure. The robot's docking mechanism is combined with the water transfer system, and the device base integrates both water storage reservoir and pump functions. This merging allows automatic water operations to be achieved by combining existing robot capabilities with added water management components rather than creating entirely separate systems.

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 automatic water management, enhancing the intelligence and convenience of water storage devices by allowing automatic water filling and pouring, improving their operational efficiency.

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared signal transmission: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4420587A1Device base, water storage device and cleaning robot
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4420587A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4420587A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4420587A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

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.