Raised-Floor Vacuum Cleaner for Under-Panel Autonomous Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vacuum cleaners require the removal of a large number of raised access flooring panels to clean underneath, which is labor-intensive and often only possible during weekends or nights, and struggle with locating and removing objects like dead animals and debris in these spaces.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled, autonomous vacuum cleaner designed for raised floor environments with a powerful suction module, independent drive systems, and sensors to navigate and detect objects, allowing for efficient cleaning without panel removal and improved sanitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional vacuum cleaners are used to clean under raised access flooring, then cleaning can be performed, but a large number of panels must be removed which increases labor intensity and requires cleaning to be done only during weekends or nights
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner is divided into multiple independent modules including a suction module, drive module, power source, and control system. This segmentation allows the vacuum cleaner to be maneuvered through narrow spaces under raised flooring panels without requiring panel removal, while maintaining effective cleaning capability across the entire floor area.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum cleaner incorporates autonomous navigation capabilities with sensors and control systems that enable it to move independently under the raised flooring, detect obstacles, and perform cleaning operations without human intervention or panel removal, allowing cleaning to be performed during normal work hours.
2Reliability
If panels are removed to access space under raised flooring for cleaning, then thorough cleaning is possible, but it causes disruption to work environments and requires significant labor
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner's modular design with compact dimensions allows it to pass through the gaps between raised flooring panels and operate in the space underneath without removing any panels, thereby maintaining work environment integrity while achieving thorough cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum cleaner acts as an intermediary device that accesses the space under raised flooring through the existing panel gaps, using its flexible hose and suction module to reach areas that would otherwise require panel removal, thus eliminating the need for disruptive access methods.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning methods are used under raised flooring, then cleaning can be performed, but locating and removing objects like dead animals and debris is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cleaner incorporates sensors and a control system that provide real-time feedback about the environment under the raised flooring, detecting obstacles and objects in the cleaning path, and transmitting this information to the operator to enable rapid response and efficient removal of detected items.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum cleaner combines multiple functions including debris suction, obstacle detection, and object location capabilities in a single integrated system, allowing it to perform both routine cleaning and special inspections for hidden objects simultaneously, thereby improving both detection capability and cleaning speed.
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
Enables thorough and efficient cleaning of raised access flooring systems with reduced labor, improved sanitation, and minimal disruption to work environments, while allowing for continuous operation during office hours.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum module supported by the body and configured to intake air and exhaust air
Implementation Method 2
an infrared sensor supported by the body. The infrared sensor may be coupled to the processor and configured to detect objects proximate to the body of the vacuum cleaner
Data Source
AI summary
A remote-controlled, autonomous, or semi-autonomous vacuum cleaner for raised floor environments is especially configured to clean tight, hard-to-reach areas, such as the space between the floor and the raised panels of a raised access floor system and a control module for remotely operating the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum includes a body, a power source supported by the body, a vacuum module supported by the body, the vacuum module being configured to intake air and exhaust air, and a drive module supported by the body. The body includes an outer casing having channels formed therein, with the channels being configured to divide and channel exhaust flow and to direct exhaust flow in multiple directions.