Floor mopping system for an autonomous cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional floor mopping systems on autonomous cleaning robots fail to effectively clean dry stains and perform poorly on uneven surfaces due to fixed mop pads and limited self-cleaning abilities, and the robots' unidirectional movement limits the effectiveness of microfiber cloths.
Innovation Solution
A floor mopping system for autonomous cleaning apparatuses featuring a mop roller assembly with a drive mechanism, adaptive suspension mechanism allowing 3 degrees of movement, and a cleaning assembly with a scrapper member and tray for water extraction, along with a static mopping pad for residual water wiping, controlled by an electronic system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed mop pad is used on autonomous cleaning robots, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness on dry stains and uneven surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed mop pads with a rotating mop roller assembly that can dynamically adapt to different floor conditions. The roller rotates during operation to continuously present clean surfaces, and the suspension assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the roller's position and pressure, enabling effective cleaning of both dry stains and uneven surfaces while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Extent of automation
If microfiber cloth is attached to a moving autonomous cleaning robot, then the robot can autonomously navigate, but the cleaning effectiveness deteriorates due to unidirectional movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a rotating mop roller assembly that actively rotates during autonomous navigation. This rotation creates a scrubbing action that enhances cleaning effectiveness on dry stains, while the suspension assembly dynamically adjusts the roller's contact pressure with the floor, maintaining effective cleaning performance despite the robot's unidirectional autonomous movement.
3Device complexity
If conventional mopping mechanisms are used, then the device is simple, but self-cleaning ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by incorporating a scrapper member that automatically scrapes and removes accumulated dirt and water from the rotating mop roller surface during operation. This self-cleaning mechanism continuously maintains the roller's cleaning effectiveness without requiring manual intervention, water supply systems, or complex drainage structures, thus achieving self-cleaning capability while keeping the overall device simple.
4Reliability
If a rotating mop roller assembly with suspension is used, then cleaning effectiveness on uneven surfaces improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a suspension assembly with resilient elements that dynamically adapt the mop roller assembly's position and contact pressure to match uneven floor surfaces. This dynamic adaptation allows the roller to maintain optimal cleaning contact on varying terrains without requiring complex active control systems, sensors, or multiple adjustable components, thus improving cleaning effectiveness while limiting complexity increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the suspension assembly to automatically adjust the vertical position and contact pressure of the mop roller assembly in response to uneven surfaces. This passive parameter adjustment through resilient elements enables the system to adapt to different floor conditions without complex control mechanisms, achieving improved cleaning reliability with minimal increase in device complexity.
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
The system ensures effective cleaning of dry stains and uneven surfaces by rotating mop rollers, self-cleaning capabilities, and controlled water supply, enhancing cleaning efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring located between the support plate and top surface
Data Source
AI summary
A floor mopping system (3) for an autonomous cleaning apparatus (1)65), comprising a mop roller assembly (5) including a mop roller (9) and a drive mechanism (19) for rotatably driving the mop roller about a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the mop roller assembly is supported on a suspension assembly (63) comprising an adaptive suspension mechanism (65) for providing at least 3 degrees of movement for the mop roller assembly.