Mopping Module Water Volume Control for Integrated Vacuum Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning tools, such as mopping cloths and vacuum cleaners, are inefficient in completely cleaning surfaces due to labor-intensive water absorption and incomplete removal of fine debris, respectively.

Innovation Solution

A mopping module with a water tank, mopping cloth, and a water amount control mechanism, integrated with a vacuum cleaner module, allowing for adjustable water supply and efficient cleaning without manual re-wetting, and a cleaning head that combines both functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the roller is in direct contact with the floor, then the mopping function is improved, but the roller becomes contaminated with dirt and bacteria

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemopping functionVSAvoidroller contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The roller is divided into two functional layers: a wear-resistant outer layer that contacts the floor and a replaceable inner layer that can be removed for cleaning or replacement. This segmentation allows the contaminable inner layer to be separated from the permanent structure, solving the contamination problem while maintaining mopping functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The contaminable inner layer is designed to be extractable from the roller assembly. Users can remove the inner layer for washing or replacement without disassembling the entire roller, directly addressing the contamination issue by enabling easy removal and cleaning of the soiled components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the roller is covered with a protective layer, then the roller is protected from contamination, but the mopping function deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller protectionVSAvoidmopping function
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a single protective layer, the roller uses segmented layers with different functions: the outer wear-resistant layer provides protection, while the inner absorbent layer performs mopping. This segmentation allows both protection and functionality to coexist without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the roller structure have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer layer has wear-resistant properties for protection, while the inner layer has absorbent properties for mopping. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between protection and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the roller structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the roller cannot be easily removed for cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller structureVSAvoidroller cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The roller is segmented into a permanent outer layer and a removable inner layer connected via a simple snap-fit mechanism. This segmentation enables easy removal for cleaning without requiring complex disassembly procedures, balancing structural simplicity with cleaning accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner layer is designed for easy extraction from the roller assembly through a simple snap-fit connection. This extraction capability allows users to remove and clean the contaminable parts without complex tools or procedures, maintaining simplicity while enabling easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the inner layer is tightly fitted to the roller, then the mopping performance is improved, but the inner layer cannot be easily removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemopping performanceVSAvoidinner layer removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the inner layer and roller uses a dynamic snap-fit mechanism that provides tight fitting during operation for good mopping performance, but allows easy removal when needed. The elastic deformation capability enables the connection to be both secure and removable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit connection is pre-designed with engagement features that automatically secure the inner layer tightly during installation, ensuring good mopping performance without requiring additional tightening actions. The same features allow easy release when removal is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4233671B1Mopping module and cleaning head
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 BEIJING ROCKROBO TECH CO LTD
  • EP4233671B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4233671B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4233671B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A mopping module (20) and a cleaning head. The mopping module (20) comprises a water tank (1), a mop (18), and a water volume control mechanism. A water tank hole (15) is provided at a bottom portion of the water tank (1); the water tank hole (15) communicates with the interior of the water tank (1); the mop (18) is provided on the outer side of the bottom portion of the water tank (1); the water volume control mechanism comprises a knob and a water control disc; and by using the knob to control the cooperation between the water control disc and the water tank hole (15), the amount of water flowing from the water tank (1) to the mop (18) by means of the water tank hole (15) is adjusted.