Guide Robot with Hidden Trash Can Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robots lack the functionality to efficiently collect and manage garbage, particularly in public spaces like airports, where trash cans are scarce and difficult to locate, leading to aesthetic and odor issues.
Innovation Solution
A guide robot equipped with a detachable trash can assembly and a garbage insertion part, allowing users to dispose of waste while minimizing odor exposure, with sensors to monitor trash levels and a design that keeps the trash can hidden from view, enhancing user convenience and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trash cans are disposed in public spaces like airports, then users can dispose of garbage conveniently, but the trash cans occupy space and may affect aesthetics when fully filled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trash can function with a guide robot, merging two separate objects (trash can and mobile guide device) into one integrated system. The robot houses a storage chamber that contains the trash can assembly, allowing garbage disposal functionality to be embedded within the mobile robot body rather than requiring separate stationary trash cans throughout the public space.
Solution Approach 2:
The trash can assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, as it is contained within the mobile robot. The robot can move to different locations to serve users, and the trash can can be selectively opened or closed. Additionally, the trash can assembly can be detached from the robot for emptying or maintenance, providing dynamic adaptability.
2Shape
If trash cans are placed in corners to maintain aesthetics, then visual appearance is improved, but users have to travel longer distances to dispose of garbage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide robot provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move to various locations within the public space to serve users. Unlike fixed corner-placed trash cans, the robot can approach users at different points in the facility, significantly reducing the distance users must travel to dispose of garbage while maintaining aesthetic appearance as the robot body conceals the trash can function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide robot serves multiple functions: it provides guidance information to users and simultaneously functions as a mobile trash can. This multi-functionality allows it to replace multiple separate devices (guide system and trash cans) with one integrated unit that can serve multiple locations and purposes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If trash cans are frequently emptied to maintain hygiene, then odor control is improved, but operational efficiency decreases due to repeated cleaning visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor or weight sensor) that detects when the trash can assembly is full. This feedback mechanism automatically triggers notifications to cleaning personnel, allowing them to empty trash cans only when necessary rather than following a fixed schedule. This optimizes the timing of emptying operations and improves overall operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The trash can assembly is designed to be easily detachable from the robot body, allowing cleaning personnel to quickly remove and empty the trash can without needing to service the entire robot system. This self-service design simplifies the emptying process and minimizes disruption to the robot's other functions.
4Ease of operation
If trash cans are made visible and accessible, then user convenience is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates when garbage is visible
Solution Approach 1:
The trash can assembly is nested within the storage chamber of the robot body, which is concealed from external view. The robot body acts as an outer container that hides the trash can function, allowing the trash can to be accessible and functional while maintaining aesthetic appearance as the garbage-storing compartment remains invisible to observers.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot body serves as a flexible shell that conceals the trash can assembly within. The outer casing of the robot provides a clean, aesthetic appearance while enclosing the functional but visually undesirable trash can component, similar to how a shell protects and conceals its contents.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot is provided. The robot includes a lower module includes a wheel and a motor provided inside the lower module, and an upper module disposed at an upper portion of the lower module and including a trash can assembly and a display unit. The upper module includes a body part coupled to the upper portion of the lower module and a head part rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the body part. The body part includes a front case forming a front outer appearance of the body part and including the trash can assembly provided inside the front case, and a rear case forming a rear outer appearance of the body part and including the display unit.