Dry Docking Station for Autonomous Pool Robot Container Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pool cleaning robots require frequent manual maintenance, including filter cleaning and debris container replacement, which is time-consuming and often neglected, leading to sub-optimal operation.
Innovation Solution
A dry docking station with a container manipulator that assists in positioning new debris collecting containers and extracting used ones from the robot, including a lifting element for elevating stored containers and pistons for moving debris collecting containers into and out of the robot, allowing for autonomous maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual maintenance operations are performed frequently, then the pool cleaning robot operates optimally, but user time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station enables the pool cleaning robot to perform maintenance operations autonomously. The robot automatically docks with the station, which then performs filter cleaning and debris container replacement without human intervention, allowing the system to maintain itself
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station prepares maintenance actions in advance by having cleaning water ready for filter rinsing and new debris containers available for replacement. This preliminary preparation allows rapid maintenance execution when the robot docks
2Reliability
If manual filter cleaning is performed, then the robot maintains optimal performance, but the operation is time-consuming and often neglected
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously docks with the docking station which automatically cleans the filter by rinsing it with water from a reservoir. This eliminates the need for users to manually clean the filter, making the process easy while maintaining filter performance
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station extracts the filter from the robot and performs cleaning operations on it separately. The filter is removed, rinsed with water, and then returned to the robot, separating the cleaning operation from manual user tasks
3Extent of automation
If autonomous maintenance is implemented, then human intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is divided into separate functional modules: a filter cleaning module with water reservoir and spray mechanism, and a debris container replacement module with storage and manipulation mechanisms. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design while achieving autonomous maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station acts as an intermediary between the robot and the maintenance resources (water supply, debris container storage). It mediates the maintenance process by receiving the robot, performing the necessary cleaning and replacement operations, and returning the robot to service
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 efficient and autonomous maintenance of pool cleaning robots, reducing human intervention and ensuring optimal operation by simplifying the replacement and cleaning of debris containers and filters.
Implementation Method 1
The new container manipulator unit may include a first piston that may be configured to move beneath an upper surface of the interface portion
Implementation Method 2
The lifting element may be configured to elevate the one or more used debris collecting containers already stored at the used container storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
A dry docking station that may include an interface that comprises an interface portion for contacting a self-propelled debris collecting robot when the self-propelled debris collecting robot is positioned at a container replacement position; a container manipulator that is arranged to assist, while the self-propelled solid debris collecting robot is contacted by the interface, in positioning a new debris collecting container into a debris collection position within the self-propelled debris collecting robot and to extract from the self-propelled debris collecting robot a used debris collecting container; a used container storage module for storing the used debris collecting container after the used debris collecting contains is extracted from the self-propelled debris collecting robot; and a new container storage module for storing the new debris collecting container before the new debris collecting container is positioned in the self-propelled debris collecting robot.