Robot cleaner, docking station and cleaning system having the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners require manual replacement of contaminated floorcloths, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A docking station with a floorcloth separator and attaching unit that automatically separates and replaces the floorcloth without user intervention, using a protrusion and ramp design to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual replacement of floorcloth is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station automatically separates the used floorcloth from the robot cleaner and attaches a new floorcloth without user intervention. The system performs the replacement operation autonomously through mechanical components including a protrusion for separation and a ramp for guiding the new floorcloth onto the robot.
2Ease of operation
If automatic floorcloth replacement is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floorcloth replacement function is separated into distinct components: a protrusion for detaching the used floorcloth, a storage unit for holding replacement floorcloths, and a ramp mechanism for attaching the new floorcloth. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design while achieving automatic replacement.
3Productivity
If frequent floorcloth replacement is needed, then cleaning quality is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple replacement floorcloths are pre-stored in the docking station's storage unit. When the robot cleaner returns to the docking station, the replacement process occurs automatically without requiring the user to manually retrieve and install a new floorcloth, thereby reducing the time lost during replacement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station for a cleaner including a docking unit including an upper surface forming a travel route along a first direction for a robot cleaner to move upon to enter the docking station; and a floorcloth separator including a protrusion, and configured so that the protrusion protrudes from a predetermined area of the upper surface of the docking unit such that a free end of the protrusion is defined along a second direction different from the first direction, and while a robot cleaner with a floorcloth attached thereto travels on the travel route along the first direction, at least a portion of the protrusion is inserted between the robot cleaner and the attached floorcloth to separate the attached floorcloth from the robot cleaner.