Dual Spin-Mop Cleaner Layout for Stable Straight-Line Mopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners that use a pair of rotating mops for mopping face issues with stability, straight-line travel, varying frictional force, limited speed and route options, difficulty in performing mopping without rotation, and inefficiencies in moisture removal and simultaneous cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner design incorporating a first cleaning module with left and right spin mops, a second cleaning module with a rolling member, and a water supply module, allowing for stable operation without a separate driving wheel, enabling various travel speeds and routes, and combining wet and dry mopping capabilities with sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot cleaner uses a pair of rotating mops for mopping and movement, then it can perform cleaning operations, but stability in the forward-and-backward direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into two separate cleaning modules: a first cleaning module with left and right spin mops for mopping and movement, and a second cleaning module with a rolling member for additional support and stability. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific functions while working together to resolve the stability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cleaning module with the rolling member acts as an intermediary element between the first cleaning module and the floor. It provides additional contact points and support, mediating the stability issue by distributing the device's weight and improving forward-and-backward stability without interfering with the mopping function of the first module.
2Speed
If a robot cleaner moves via rotation of a pair of left and right mops, then it can travel, but the frictional force varies frequently making it difficult to travel straight
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into two independent modules: the first cleaning module with rotating spin mops provides primary movement, while the second cleaning module with the rolling member provides supplementary propulsion and stabilization. This segmentation allows the rolling member to compensate for frictional force variations and maintain straight-line travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of contact with the floor by introducing a rolling member that rotates about a horizontal axis. This rolling contact provides more consistent frictional force compared to the rotating spin mops, enabling smoother and more stable straight-line travel while maintaining traveling speed.
3Ease of operation
If a robot cleaner uses a pair of rotating mops for mopping, then it can perform wet mopping, but it is difficult to perform mopping without rotating in place or moving linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The mopping function is segmented between two modules: the first cleaning module with spin mops performs wet mopping during movement, while the second cleaning module with the rolling member can perform dry mopping or sweeping operations. This segmentation enables the device to perform mopping operations in various states including stationary position, enhancing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cleaning module with the rolling member is designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing both dry mopping and sweeping operations. This universality allows the device to adapt to different cleaning scenarios and perform mopping operations without requiring rotation or linear movement, resolving the versatility issue.
4Productivity
If a robot cleaner performs wet mopping with rotating spin mops, then it can clean the floor, but moisture removal efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is segmented into two stages performed by two modules: the first cleaning module with spin mops performs wet mopping to loosen and collect dirt, while the second cleaning module with the rolling member performs moisture removal through rolling action. This segmentation allows each module to optimize its function, improving overall moisture removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The two cleaning modules operate in sequence to provide continuous useful action: the spin mops first wet mop the floor to collect dirt and moisture, then the rolling member immediately follows to remove excess moisture through its rolling contact. This continuous action eliminates idle time between mopping and drying, improving productivity and moisture removal efficiency.
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
Enhances mopping efficiency, stability, and versatility by ensuring straight-line travel, supplementing mopping areas with low frictional force, and effectively removing moisture, while allowing for simultaneous cleaning and sterilization operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first cleaning module including a left spin mop and a right spin mop provided so as to come into contact with a floor while rotating in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the upper side
Implementation Method 2
a second cleaning module configured so as to come into contact with the floor at a position spaced apart from the left spin mop and the right spin mop in a forward-and-backward direction
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner includes a body, a left spin-mop module and a right spin-mop module configured to perform mopping, and a water supply module configured to supply water to the left spin-mop module and the right spin-mop module. The water supply module includes a water tank to store water therein, a pump to pressurize the water in the water tank to move the water to the left spin-mop module and the right spin-mop module, a first supply pipe connecting the water tank and the pump, a common pipe connected to the pump, the common pump configured to guide movement of the pressurized water from the pump, a first branch pipe configured to guide a first portion of the water in the common pipe to the left spin-mop module, and a second branch pipe configured to guide a second portion of the water in the common pipe to the right spin-mop module.