Floor treatment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing floor treatment systems face difficulties in docking the floor treatment device to the docking station due to the requirement of maintaining a precise docking direction and alignment of connection elements, which can lead to unreliable or damaged connections, especially in self-propelled and self-steering devices that require significant sensor system effort.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates connection units with variable positions on both the docking station and the floor treatment device, allowing for movement and alignment in multiple degrees of freedom, enabling coupling even if the device is not exactly aligned, with self-opening and self-locking valves for secure connection, and a holding device with restoring elements for easier docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a precise docking direction is maintained for coupling connection elements, then reliable connection is achieved, but the docking process becomes complex and requires significant sensor system effort
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is designed with variable positioning capability, allowing it to move and adapt its position during the docking process. This dynamic adjustment enables the connection elements to align automatically without requiring precise initial positioning or complex sensor systems, thereby maintaining connection reliability while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit's position parameters are made changeable during docking, allowing it to adjust its location to achieve proper alignment with the docking station. This parameter flexibility eliminates the need for strict docking direction maintenance and reduces the sensor system effort required
2Manufacturing precision
If connection elements are rigidly fixed in position, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the docking process becomes difficult when alignment is not perfect
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is designed with variable positioning capability, allowing it to move and adapt its position during the docking process. This dynamic adjustment enables the connection elements to align automatically without requiring precise initial positioning or complex sensor systems, thereby maintaining connection reliability while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection unit automatically adjusts its own position to achieve proper alignment with the docking station during docking. This self-alignment capability eliminates the need for external intervention or complex control systems, making the docking process easier while maintaining manufacturing precision
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
This solution simplifies the docking process by allowing connection units to adjust and couple reliably, reducing the effort required for alignment and ensuring secure coupling of electrical and fluid connections, particularly benefiting self-propelled and self-steering devices by facilitating autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one restoring element, against the restoring force of which the at least one connection unit can be disengaged from a basic position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a floor treatment system (10), comprising a mobile floor treatment device (14) and a docking station (12) for the floor treatment device. The floor treatment device (14) can be provided with a consumable component by the docking station (12) and/or a signal can be transmitted between the docking station (12) and the floor treatment device (14). The floor treatment device (14) and the docking station (12) each has at least one connection element (22, 28, 36, 126, 142, 150), and corresponding connection elements (22, 28, 36, 126, 142, 150) of the docking station (12) and the floor treatment device (14) are coupled together in a docked position of the floor treatment device. In order to facilitate the docking of the floor treatment device (14) to the docking station (12), the floor treatment system (10) comprises at least one connection unit (50) on the docking station (12) and/or on the floor treatment device (14), said connection unit having at least one connection element (22, 28, 36) and being held on the docking station (12) or on the floor treatment device (14) such that the position of the connection unit can be modified.