Mobile cleaning robot with adjustable suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile cleaning robots face challenges in maintaining effective cleaning efficiency and mobility due to variance in manufacturing, leading to inadequate weight distribution on the cleaning pad and reduced contact between the cleaning head and the floor, affecting both mopping and vacuuming operations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable suspension system that allows the mobile cleaning robot to change its dynamics based on operating modes by moving a wheel stop to distribute weight appropriately, ensuring optimal contact and force application during mopping and vacuuming, thereby enhancing cleaning performance and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the robot weight is principally on the caster and two wheels, then mobility is improved, but cleaning efficiency is compromised due to insufficient weight on the pad
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable suspension system that dynamically reconfigures weight distribution based on operating mode. During mopping operations, the system shifts weight to the cleaning pad to enhance cleaning effectiveness, while during vacuuming operations, weight is distributed to the drive wheels to improve mobility and debris pickup. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the robot to optimize for either cleaning efficiency or mobility depending on the current task.
2Productivity
If the robot weight is principally on the caster and pad, then cleaning contact is improved, but mobility is reduced because the pad becomes difficult to push or pull
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable suspension system enables dynamic weight redistribution between the cleaning pad and drive wheels based on operational requirements. When mopping is required, the system increases weight on the pad for better cleaning contact. When vacuuming is required, the system shifts weight to the drive wheels for improved mobility and debris pickup, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning contact and mobility.
3Device complexity
If manufacturing variance causes inconsistent weight distribution, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning performance becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adjustable suspension system that modifies suspension parameters (such as spring pre-load or damper settings) to compensate for manufacturing variances. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on the actual operating mode and detected performance conditions, the system ensures consistent cleaning performance across different units despite variations in manufacturing tolerances and component weights.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile cleaning robot can include a body, a drive wheel, and a wheel stop. The drive wheel can be connected to the body and can be operable to move the mobile cleaning robot about an environment. The wheel stop can be movable with respect to the body and the drive wheel between a stop position and a release position. The wheel stop can be engageable with the drive wheel in the stop position to limit vertical travel of the drive wheel with respect to the body.