Floor Cleaning Machine Supply Device Coupling Using Movable Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor cleaning machine and supply device systems require complex and potentially damaging coupling processes, involving reverse movement and additional space, which can lead to equipment damage and safety issues, especially for autonomous robots.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where the supply device is moved between two positions, allowing the floor cleaning machine to couple and decouple without reversing, using a straightforward movement to connect and disconnect the coupling arrangements, reducing space requirements and eliminating the need for reverse movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the floor cleaning machine moves towards the stationary supply device for coupling, then the coupling arrangements can be connected, but additional loads are imposed on the supply device which can cause damage or displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the floor cleaning machine moving towards a stationary supply device, the supply device is made movable and approaches the floor cleaning machine. This inversion of the moving/stationary roles eliminates the harmful loads on the supply device while maintaining reliable coupling connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply device is equipped with a drive unit that enables it to move between a first position (retracted) and a second position (extended) to perform coupling and decoupling operations dynamically, rather than remaining stationary and requiring the cleaning machine to approach it.
2Ease of operation
If the floor cleaning machine drives in reverse to release the coupling, then the coupling can be released, but additional space is required and sensors are needed for autonomous robots to check for obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the floor cleaning machine reversing to decouple, the supply device moves in reverse (from second position to first position) to release the coupling. This eliminates the need for the cleaning machine to reverse, reducing space requirements and eliminating the need for additional rear sensors on autonomous robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply device performs the decoupling operation autonomously by moving itself away from the floor cleaning machine, without requiring the cleaning machine to perform any reversing movement or additional safety checks.
3Ease of operation
If the supply device remains stationary during coupling, then the floor cleaning machine can approach it, but the coupling process causes additional loads that can tilt or displace the supply device
Solution Approach 1:
The supply device transitions from a stationary design to a dynamic one with a drive unit, enabling it to actively move to and from the floor cleaning machine. This dynamic capability allows controlled coupling and decoupling operations while maintaining stability by avoiding uncontrolled loads from the cleaning machine approaching a fixed target.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a system comprising a floor cleaning machine and a supply device, including actuating the supply device so that the supply device assumes the second position, moving the floor cleaning machine in the opposite direction to the first direction of travel so that the floor cleaning machine moves towards the supply device in such a manner that during the movement the first coupling arrangement points towards the second coupling arrangement, conveying fresh water from the fresh water inlet into the fresh water tank and/or conveying waste water from the waste water tank to the waste water outlet and/or charging the battery with the power supply, releasing the connection between the first and the second coupling arrangement by moving the supply device in the opposite direction to the first direction of travel from the second position to the first position.