Glass cleaning robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass cleaning robots struggle to efficiently navigate and clean large glass surfaces with small separations or frames without significant structural modifications.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated system of two independent glass cleaning robots with a central system that synchronizes their movements and operations, utilizing three linear actuators to overcome discontinuities and frames, allowing seamless cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single glass cleaning robot is used, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning efficiency and coverage are insufficient for large glass surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent glass cleaning robots into a coordinated system that operates as a single entity. The robots work simultaneously on different sections of the glass surface, with their movements synchronized by a central system, thereby doubling the cleaning efficiency while managing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into two independent robot units, each capable of autonomous operation but coordinated together for enhanced productivity. This segmentation allows parallel cleaning operations on large glass surfaces while maintaining manageable individual unit complexity
2Area of stationary object
If the robot navigates glass surfaces with small separations or frames, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the robot may fall or get stuck on discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
When one robot encounters a discontinuity or frame, the second robot can provide support or alternative navigation path. The coordinated system ensures continuous cleaning coverage by having robots assist each other when navigating challenging areas with small separations or frames
Solution Approach 2:
The central coordination system acts as an intermediary that monitors the position and status of both robots, enabling them to navigate discontinuities safely by coordinating their movements and providing mutual support when encountering frames or separations
3Productivity
If two independent robots are coordinated as a single entity, then the cleaning efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains two independently functional robot units with their own suction means and transport means, segmented for modular operation. This allows parallel cleaning operations for enhanced productivity while keeping individual unit complexity manageable through standardized modules
Solution Approach 2:
Each robot unit is designed as a universal module that can operate independently or in coordination with the other. The anchoring means and control systems are multi-functional, enabling both autonomous operation and synchronized coordinated cleaning, thereby enhancing productivity without proportionally increasing 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
Enhances cleaning efficiency and coverage by ensuring both robots remain in contact with the glass surface, reducing cleaning time and enabling adaptation to various models.
Implementation Method 1
suction means to clean the glass and transport means to move along the glass to be cleaned
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Glass cleaning robot, that comprises a first independent glass cleaning robot (1), a second independent glass cleaning robot (2), and a central system configured to precisely coordinate the actions of the two independent glass cleaning robots transforming them into a single, more efficient operating entity, such the central system comprises a first linear actuator (5) attached to the first independent glass cleaning robot, a second linear actuator (6) attached to the second independent glass cleaning robot, and a third linear actuator (7) attached at one end to the first linear actuator (5) and at the other end to the second linear actuator (6), where the third linear actuator (7) is perpendicular to the first linear actuator (5) and to the second linear actuator (6).