Mobile Trolley for Cleaning Robot Fleet Storage and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for commercial areas with autonomous cleaning robots face challenges such as high space requirements, limited flexibility, and vulnerability to theft or damage when not in use, due to the need for complex navigation and expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A trolley with manual mobility, energy supply unit, storage compartments, suction system, lift system, and door element that encases the cleaning robots, allowing for safe storage, easy transport, and operation without complex navigation technology, reducing susceptibility to errors and external influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robot with autonomous drive device and navigation technology is used to transport cleaning robots, then the cleaning robots can be automatically transported and stored, but the device becomes very expensive and complex, reducing flexibility and manual maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the autonomous navigation and drive device functions from the transport system, removing these complex components while retaining the core transport functionality through manual operation. The trolley becomes a simple manual cart without sensors, processors, or autonomous navigation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive autonomous robots with inexpensive manual trolleys. The manual trolley is a simple, low-cost alternative that sacrifices automation but provides sufficient functionality for the intended use case, particularly in cost-sensitive commercial cleaning applications.
2Ease of operation
If cleaning robots are stored outside during non-active time, then they are easily accessible, but they are vulnerable to theft or damage and occupy valuable commercial space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places cleaning robots inside storage compartments of the trolley, creating a nested structure where robots are stored within the trolley's enclosed spaces. This nesting provides physical protection while maintaining organized storage and easy accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses door elements that can close and protect the storage compartments, creating a flexible protective barrier. The door provides security against theft and damage while allowing easy access when opened, balancing protection with accessibility.
3Productivity
If multiple cleaning robots and base stations are deployed in commercial areas, then cleaning coverage is improved, but space requirements increase significantly, reducing profitability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (storage, charging, and robot housing) into a single mobile trolley unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate base stations and reduces the total space required, as the trolley serves as both storage and operational base for multiple robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static base station concept into a dynamic mobile trolley. The trolley can be moved to different locations as needed, providing flexibility in space utilization and allowing the cleaning fleet to operate from various positions rather than being fixed to one large base station location.
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 trolley provides a flexible, cost-effective, and secure solution for storing and deploying cleaning robots, reducing space requirements and operational complexity, while protecting the robots from external influences and theft.
Implementation Method 1
a suction device that is designed to remove dust and debris from the container
Implementation Method 2
transport wheels which are designed to move the trolley over a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A trolley and method for loading and unloading cleaning robots into a trolley, including for storing, emptying and supplying energy to cleaning robots. The trolley includes an energy supply unit, storage compartments, each storage compartment having a charging contact which is designed to be contacted with a cleaning robot arranged in the corresponding storage compartment to supply the cleaning robot with energy, transport wheels configured to move the trolley over a substrate, a suction system having a foldable suction platform configured to empty one of the cleaning robots arranged on the suction platform, a lift system with a foldable receiving element configured to transport the cleaning robots individually by way of the receiving element in its unfolded state to the storage compartments and away from the storage compartments, and at least one door element configured to close or expose the foldable receiving element and the foldable suction platform.