Cleaning apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning apparatuses face issues with unreliable sealing between separation systems due to reliance on pressure differences and potential obstruction by large particles, affecting separation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning apparatus with airtight covers and integral sealing elements forming interference compression seals between garbage collection cavities, ensuring sealed isolation and maintaining separation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a robot cleaner is used to automate cleaning, then labor cost is reduced and cleaning can be performed on complex floor plans, but the device complexity increases and requires sophisticated navigation systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of cleaningVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot cleaner is divided into multiple independent modules including a main body, separate sensor units, and modular cleaning components. This segmentation allows each module to perform specific functions independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robot cleaner is designed with multi-functional capabilities including navigation, obstacle detection, cleaning, and self-charging all integrated into a single device. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate systems, thereby managing device complexity while achieving high automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If sensors and ultrasonic waves are used for obstacle detection and navigation, then the robot can avoid obstacles and navigate complex floor plans, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sensing functions including ultrasonic detection, infrared sensing, and collision detection are merged into integrated sensor units. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive obstacle detection and navigation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Ultrasonic waves and infrared signals serve as intermediary carriers for distance measurement and obstacle detection. These physical phenomena mediate between the robot's sensors and the environment, enabling reliable detection without requiring complex direct measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the robot returns to the charging station autonomously, then continuous operation is enabled, but the navigation system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidnavigation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot establishes wireless communication and positioning systems in advance that continuously track its location relative to the charging station. This preliminary setup enables autonomous return navigation without requiring complex real-time decision-making, simplifying the navigation system while ensuring continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures effective sealing between separation stages, stabilizing airflow and enhancing suction power and separation efficiency by preventing airflow leaks.

Implementation Method 1

If the robot cleaner is equipped with sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors, to detect obstacles and navigate complex floor plans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic detection: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

infrared sensors to detect obstacles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

collision sensors to detect obstacles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollision detection: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP4226823B1Cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 BEIJING ROCKROBO TECH CO LTD
  • EP4226823B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4226823B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4226823B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a suction system for generating a suction force for sucking dirty air into the cleaning apparatus; a separation system at least comprising a first-stage separation system and a second-stage separation system (4) and being used for separating garbage in the dirty air; a filtration system for further filtering the air that has passed through the separation system; and a garbage collection system at least comprising a first garbage collection chamber (16) and a second garbage collection chamber (14) which are respectively used for collecting the garbage that has passed through the first-stage separation system and the second-stage separation system (4), wherein the first garbage collection chamber (16) and the second garbage collection chamber (14) have a common seal cover (2), what extending outwardly from the center of the seal cover (2) are bottoms of the first garbage collection chamber (16) and the second garbage collection chamber (14) respectively, and the first garbage collection chamber (16) and the second garbage collection chamber (14) are isolated in seal fashion in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the seal cover (2). The present cleaning apparatus solves the technical problem in the prior art of unstable seal performance between separation stages of a multi-stage cleaning apparatus.