Modular Coverage Robot Architecture for Easy Component Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coverage robots face significant serviceability issues due to the wear and tear of multiple components, often requiring entire robot replacement or costly repairs, as users must disassemble and send the robot for servicing, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A modular design for coverage robots that allows for the independent removal and replacement of components such as the cleaning head, wheel modules, vacuum bin, and battery, enabling tool-less electrical connections and secure fastening, facilitating easy maintenance and extension of the robot's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the robot is designed as a non-modular unit, then the structural integrity and simplicity are maintained, but the serviceability and repairability deteriorate as the entire robot must be sent for servicing when any component fails
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is divided into modular components including a base unit and interchangeable cartridges (cleaning heads, polishing pads, etc.). Each cartridge can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the base unit or other cartridges, enabling easy servicing and repair of individual components while maintaining overall system integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the robot is designed as a modular system with interchangeable components, then the serviceability and component replacement ease are improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple modules and receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is segmented into a base unit with standardized receptacles and interchangeable cartridges. Each cartridge is designed as a self-contained module with standardized interfaces, allowing users to easily swap components without complex assembly or disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal receptacles that can accommodate multiple types of cartridges (cleaning heads, polishing pads, etc.). This multi-functional design allows a single base unit to perform various functions by simply changing the cartridge, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If components are designed to be separately removable, then the repair cost and replacement cost are reduced by extending robot lifespan, but the manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is manufactured as separate modular components (base unit, cartridges, receptacles) that can be independently produced and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standardized interfaces, facilitating easier production and assembly while maintaining precision through standardized connection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.