Docking Station Pad Dispenser for Autonomous Robot Mopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous cleaning robots with both vacuum and mopping systems require user intervention for pad replacement, increasing cleaning time and reducing autonomy.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cleaning robot and docking station system that allows for autonomous pad replacement, enabling the robot to discard soiled pads and attach fresh pads before, during, or after a cleaning mission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a user replaces the mopping pad during cleaning operations, then the mopping pad can be changed, but cleaning time increases and user interaction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through autonomous pad replacement. The mobile cleaning robot automatically navigates to the docking station, and the docking station automatically detects when a pad needs replacement and performs the pad exchange without human intervention. The robot independently returns to the docking station when pad replacement is needed and autonomously completes the entire pad replacement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station maintains a supply of fresh pads in advance. When the robot returns to the docking station, the pad replacement is performed immediately using pre-stored clean pads, eliminating the need to wait for user intervention or external pad supply.
2Ease of operation
If the robot autonomously navigates to the docking station for pad replacement, then user interaction is reduced, but the cleaning mission is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable mopping pads that are replaced when soiled. The docking station stores multiple inexpensive replacement pads, allowing the robot to quickly exchange pads without complex cleaning or maintenance procedures. This disposable approach simplifies the replacement process and reduces the time penalty for pad changes.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
A docking station for a mobile cleaning robot can include a housing. The housing can define or comprise a pad receptacle and a pad dispenser. The pad receptacle can be configured to receive a soiled pad from a pad tray of the mobile cleaning robot. The pad dispenser can be configured to provide a fresh pad to the pad tray of the mobile cleaning robot.