Extendable Robot Cleaner Module for Low-Height Area Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners are limited in cleaning areas with heights less than that of the cleaner main body, such as under furniture, due to a fixed cleaning module and dust collecting device configuration.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner with a cleaning module that is relatively movable with respect to the cleaner main body, utilizing a connection unit with a variable length and a driving unit, allowing the module to protrude and extend, enabling it to reach lower areas by adjusting its position and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the cleaner main body has a large height to accommodate a dust collecting device, then the dust collecting capacity is improved, but the cleaner main body cannot enter areas with low height (e.g., below furniture)
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner is divided into two functional modules: a cleaner main body for navigation and control, and a separate cleaning module containing the dust collecting device. This segmentation allows the cleaning module to be extended to low height areas while the main body remains outside, resolving the contradiction between dust collecting capacity and access to confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning module is extended in the vertical dimension through an extendable connection unit, allowing it to reach areas below furniture while the main body operates at a higher level. This dimensional separation enables both large dust collecting capacity and access to low height areas.
2Device complexity
If the cleaning module is fixed on the cleaner main body, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning area is limited by the shape of the cleaner main body
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit between the cleaner main body and cleaning module is made extendable and retractable, transforming the static fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the cleaning module to extend beyond the main body to access corner areas and low height spaces, significantly expanding the cleaning area while maintaining relatively simple operation.
3Area of stationary object
If the cleaning module protrudes from the cleaner main body, then the cleaning area is enlarged, but the connection unit becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit incorporates a flexible tube that can extend and retract to connect the cleaner main body and cleaning module. This flexible connection simplifies the mechanical structure compared to rigid extendable mechanisms, allowing the cleaning module to reach extended areas while maintaining manageable complexity in the connection system.
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
Enlarges the cleaning area by allowing the module to enter spaces beneath obstacles like sofas and tables, effectively cleaning areas previously inaccessible.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tube which is fixed to the outer case and the inner case respectively, and of which at least a part is provided to extend or contract according to the relative movement of the inner case
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning module that is relatively movable with respect to the cleaner main body and sucks air containing dust and foreign substances
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner main body to which a dust collecting device is mounted; a cleaning module which is configured to be movable relative to the cleaner main body and performs the function of cleaning a floor; a connection unit which is connected to each of the cleaner main body and the cleaning module and is configured to have a variable length; and a driving unit configured to change the length of the connection unit.