Floor cleaning device for dry and wet cleaning as well as method for operating a self-propelled floor cleaning device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled floor cleaning devices require separate cleaning steps for dry and wet cleaning, which can be inefficient and require multiple devices, lacking a unified solution for effectively determining surface types and optimizing cleaning paths.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled floor cleaning device equipped with on-board sensors to determine surface quality and categorize areas for cleaning, using a single device with interchangeable dry and wet cleaning modes, where a mechanical brush and suction channel perform dry cleaning and a wetting device with suction mouth handle wet cleaning, allowing for efficient operation in opposite directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cleaning steps for dry and wet cleaning are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to requiring multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both dry cleaning and wet cleaning devices into a single integrated floor cleaning device. The device includes a dry cleaning mechanism with brush and suction, and a wet cleaning mechanism with water spray and wet suction, all integrated into one unit that can perform both cleaning modes sequentially on the same floor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor cleaning device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both dry cleaning and wet cleaning operations. The device can switch between different cleaning modes (dry and wet) and can adapt to different floor surface types (carpet, hard floor, tile) using sensor-based surface recognition and automated parameter adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cleaning devices are used for dry and wet cleaning, then cleaning functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates automated surface recognition sensors that detect floor type and automatically adjust cleaning parameters. The control system autonomously determines the appropriate cleaning mode (dry or wet) and adjusts operational parameters without requiring manual intervention from the user, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features dynamically adjustable parameters including variable suction power, adjustable brush rotation speed, and controllable water spray intensity. These parameters are automatically adjusted based on real-time sensor feedback about floor surface characteristics, allowing the device to adapt its behavior to different cleaning situations without manual reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If surface quality determination is performed during first operating step, then cleaning path optimization is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary surface quality assessment during the first operating step using sensor elements before executing the optimized cleaning path. The control device processes sensor data to identify different floor surface types and pre-calculates the optimal cleaning strategy, allowing subsequent cleaning operations to be efficiently tailored to each surface type.
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 dry and wet cleaning of floor surfaces with reduced maintenance, using a single device that can adapt to different surface types and optimize cleaning paths, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The loosened dust particles can be extracted into a dust collection container by means of the suction channel
Implementation Method 2
a wetting device. Preferably, the floor surface, which is to be cleaned, can be impacted mechanically by means of a mopping device. The moisture is extracted by means of a suction mouth
Implementation Method 3
The moisture is extracted by means of a suction mouth
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a self-propelled floor cleaning device, in a first operating step, drives the floor cleaning device across a first treatment path across the floor to be cleaned according to a predetermined driving strategy, or according to a predetermined algorithm, which is calculated on the basis of data, which are detected by sensors and thereby carries out a first cleaning step by a first cleaning device. In the first operating step, areas of the floor surfaces to be cleaned, which are cleaned in at least a second operating step by a second cleaning device, or which are excluded from the cleaning by the second cleaning device, are determined. A floor cleaning device, which is suitable for carrying out the method, has a chassis, a first cleaning device for dry cleaning a floor surface, and a second cleaning device for wet cleaning areas of the floor surface.