Mobile cleaning robot with a bin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile cleaning robots face inefficiencies in debris collection and filtration, with issues related to suction loss, filter security, and debris buildup, as well as challenges in easy bin removal and autonomous evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cleaning robot design featuring a bin with a rigid structure, internal barrier, filter unit, and prescreen filter, along with a handle and latch system for easy access and secure debris containment, which reduces suction loss and allows for precise bin positioning and autonomous evacuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the bin is designed with a rigid structure and internal barrier to improve debris containment, then debris collection efficiency is improved, but filter exposure to debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bin interior is divided into a first volume for debris collection and a second volume for filter housing by an internal barrier. This segmentation allows debris to be contained in the first volume while the filter resides protected in the second volume, reducing direct exposure between the filter and collected debris while maintaining effective debris containment.
2Reliability
If the filter unit is securely mounted in the airflow path to improve filtration, then filtration reliability is improved, but filter removal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is mounted on a movable barrier that can shift between a first position (secured in the airflow path for reliable filtration) and a second position (exposed and removable through the access port). This dynamic positioning allows the filter to be securely mounted during operation while enabling easy removal for maintenance without complex disassembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the bin includes access ports and latch systems for easy maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is extracted through a dedicated access port in the bin wall, allowing maintenance personnel to remove and replace the filter without disassembling the entire bin structure. This extraction mechanism simplifies maintenance operations while the port and associated latch components add minimal structural complexity to achieve easy filter access.
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 solution enhances debris collection efficiency, minimizes filter exposure to debris, and facilitates easy bin removal and autonomous evacuation, extending operating time and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the bin is configured to receive airflow from the blower
Implementation Method 2
a filter unit supported by the internal barrier and removably disposed in an airflow path
Implementation Method 3
the movable barrier being configured to open when a suction force is applied to the movable barrier from outside of the bin
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes a mobile cleaning robot including a chassis having a forward portion and an aft portion; a blower affixed to the chassis; a bin supported by the chassis and configured to receive airflow from the blower, the chassis enabling evacuation of the bin through a bottom of the robot. The bin includes a top, a bottom, a sidewall, and an internal barrier. The bin includes a first volume and a second volume separated by the internal barrier and a filter unit supported by the internal barrier and removably disposed in an airflow path between the first volume that includes an intake port in the bin and the second volume that includes an exhaust port in the bin.