Movable Side Brush Assembly for Corner Cleaning and Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic cleaners face challenges in effectively cleaning corners and minimizing side brush damage due to increased brush length, which also leads to larger device sizes and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The automatic cleaner features a side brush assembly with a movable member that protrudes from the casing, supported by elastic members and a hinge shaft, allowing for corner cleaning while minimizing damage through external force absorption and rotation restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the length of the side brush is increased to clean a larger area, then the cleaning area is increased, but the side brush may be damaged and the device occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The side brush assembly is designed with movable members that can dynamically adjust their position. The first movable member rotates around a hinge shaft, and the second movable member slides along a guide groove, allowing the side brush to adapt its length and position based on cleaning needs while preventing excessive extension that would cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The side brush assembly is divided into multiple segmented components: a fixed member, a first movable member with hinge shaft, and a second movable member with guide groove. This segmentation allows each part to perform specific functions - the hinge shaft enables rotation, the guide groove controls sliding motion, and the elastic member provides buffering - thereby extending the effective cleaning area while maintaining brush durability through controlled movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the length of the side brush is increased to clean corners effectively, then corner cleaning capability is improved, but the side brush assembly becomes more complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The side brush assembly uses dynamic movable members that can rotate and slide to reach corners effectively. The first movable member rotates around the hinge shaft to access corner areas, while the second movable member slides along the guide groove to adjust the brush's protrusion distance, providing adaptability without requiring a permanently extended complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The movable members are nested within the casing when not in use. The first movable member is positioned inside the casing and only extends outward when corner cleaning is needed. The second movable member is nested within the first movable member's range of motion, allowing the entire assembly to retract into a compact form while maintaining corner cleaning capability when deployed
3Reliability
If the side brush assembly is made movable to reduce damage, then durability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic member is incorporated into the side brush assembly to provide beforehand cushioning. This elastic member buffers external forces applied to the movable members, preventing direct transmission of impact forces that would cause damage. The elastic member acts as a shock absorber, allowing the movable structure to withstand repeated use without compromising durability
Solution Approach 2:
The side brush assembly employs movable members with hinge shafts and guide grooves that enable controlled motion. This dynamic structure allows the side brush to adapt to obstacles and floor variations without rigid contact, reducing wear and damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through efficient use of basic mechanical components
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
This design enables effective corner cleaning while reducing side brush damage and maintaining stable operation, as the movable side brush assembly can absorb shocks and maintain power transmission during cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which supports the movable member so as to enable the movable member to protrude outside of the casing
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorbing member which absorbs a shock generated by a collision with the movable member
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification relates to an automatic cleaner. The automatic cleaner, according to one aspect, comprises: a casing having an inlet port; a suction device which is installed inside the casing and sucks external foreign substances through the inlet port; a moving device for moving the casing; and a side brush assembly movably installed at the casing, wherein the side brush assembly comprises: a movable member which is provided so as to be movable in the casing and protrudes outside of the casing; a side brush provided so as to be rotatable at the movable member; a hinge shaft for enabling the rotation of the movable member; and an elastic member for supporting the hinge shaft or the movable member.