Removable Fabric Cover with Sensor Apertures for Robotic Cleaners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic cleaning devices have unappealing hard-plastic covers that become scratched, leading to a need for alternative covers that can alter appearance and provide protection while maintaining performance, as existing solutions like vinyl decals and fabric covers often obstruct sensors or vents, causing performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A removable, machine-washable cover designed to fit various robotic systems, featuring adjustable sizing, apertures for sensors, and mesh for ventilation, with attachment mechanisms like hook-and-loop connectors or elastic cords to ensure compatibility and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard-plastic cover is used on the robotic cleaning device, then the device structure is simple and durable, but the cover becomes scratched and unappealing over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a fabric cover instead of a hard-plastic cover. The fabric cover is flexible, can be easily manufactured in various patterns and colors, and does not show scratches like hard plastic. The fabric cover is attached to the robotic cleaning device and can be removed and washed when soiled or damaged.
2Ease of manufacture
If vinyl decals or skins are installed on the hard-plastic cover to alter appearance, then the coloring changes, but the overall appearance shape remains unchanged and the skins become scratched requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a complete fabric cover that envelops the robotic cleaning device, providing full appearance customization including shape transformation. The fabric cover is more durable than vinyl decals, can be removed and washed, and maintains its appearance longer without scratching.
3Ease of manufacture
If fabric covers are made to cover the robotic cleaner, then the appearance can be customized, but important sensors are blocked making the device unable to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric cover is designed with openings or apertures at specific locations where sensors are positioned on the robotic cleaning device. This segmentation allows the cover to provide appearance customization while maintaining sensor functionality by allowing sensor signals to pass through the fabric material.
4Ease of manufacture
If cloth covers are used to cover the robotic cleaner, then decorative options are provided, but vents necessary for cooling and vacuuming functions are covered, causing degraded performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric cover includes openings or apertures positioned at vent locations to allow proper airflow for cooling and vacuuming functions. The cover is segmented to provide decorative coverage on non-functional surfaces while maintaining functionality at critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric cover has different properties at different locations: it provides opaque decorative coverage on surfaces where appearance is important, while having openings or mesh material at locations where sensor and vent functionality is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for covering a plurality of different sized robotic systems. The device can include a cover sized to at least partially fit over the robotic system; one or more sidewalls extended from the cover, wherein the one or more sidewalls is configured to removably engage with each of the plurality of different sized robotic systems; and one or more apertures in the cover and/or the one or more sidewalls. The one or more apertures are selectively positioned and sized so as to prevent obstructing the one or more onboard sensors of the respective robotic system when the device is in an assembled state with the respective robotic system.