Removable Mop Attachment With Pressure Valve Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surface cleaning devices often require multiple robots with different capabilities for vacuuming and mopping, increasing costs and maintenance, and existing mopping features are inefficient due to uncontrolled fluid distribution.
Innovation Solution
A removable mop attachment module with a pressure actuated valve that controls fluid flow, allowing for efficient distribution of cleaning fluid onto a mopping cloth, integrated with a robotic cleaning device capable of vacuuming and mopping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robots with different capabilities are used for vacuuming and mopping, then cleaning functionality is comprehensive, but cost of ownership and maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines vacuuming and mopping capabilities into a single robotic device by integrating a removable mop attachment module with the robotic vacuum cleaner body, allowing one device to perform multiple cleaning functions
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device is designed with universal functionality to perform both dry vacuuming and wet mopping operations through the integration of the mop attachment module, making the device adaptable to different cleaning needs
2Device complexity
If cleaning fluid flows onto the cloth at a constant rate without control, then the liquid tank is simple, but the cleaning fluid is inefficiently consumed and doesn't last long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a pressure-actuated valve that responds to pressure changes in the liquid tank, automatically regulating fluid flow rate based on the tank's internal pressure conditions to prevent excessive consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-actuated valve system operates autonomously using the tank's own pressure dynamics to control fluid release, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms while optimizing fluid distribution
3Loss of substance
If a pressure actuated valve is added to control fluid flow, then cleaning fluid consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-actuated valve operates autonomously using the tank's own pressure dynamics to control fluid release, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while optimizing fluid distribution
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 enables efficient fluid management, extending the cleaning fluid's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs by allowing controlled fluid distribution during mopping operations, enhancing the robotic cleaning device's capabilities without the need for multiple robots.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure actuated valve opens from a closed position when an air pressure inside the reservoir reaches a predetermined amount of negative air pressure due to the fluid flowing out of the reservoir through the at least one drainage aperture; the pressure actuated valve closes from an open position when the air pressure inside the reservoir increases to a predetermined amount due to air flowing into the reservoir through the at least one breathing aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A removable mop attachment module, including: a reservoir; an opening for filling the reservoir with a fluid; a lid for sealing the opening; at least one drainage aperture positioned on a bottom surface of the reservoir for draining fluid from the at least one drainage aperture; a mopping cloth; a means for holding the mopping cloth; and a pressure actuated valve positioned at least partially inside the reservoir.