Retractable Charging Plug Structure for Cleaning Robot Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning robots with exposed charging plugs are prone to short-circuiting or damage due to contact with wet objects or furniture during operation, as these plugs are not retractable and thus unprotected.
Innovation Solution
A charging structure with automatic storage functionality, featuring a charging base and main body with a deflector rod and movable element that protrudes and retracts charging plugs when entering or leaving the charging base, ensuring the plugs are only exposed during charging and safely stored otherwise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If charging plugs are exposed at the external housing for convenient charging connection, then charging accessibility is improved, but the charging plugs are vulnerable to contact with wet objects or furniture causing short-circuiting or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The charging plug is designed to dynamically change its position between exposed and retracted states. A movable element with elastic component allows the plug to automatically protrude when needed for charging and retract when not in use, transforming the static exposed structure into a dynamic system that adapts to operational requirements, thereby maintaining accessibility while improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a spring-loaded movable element that automatically controls the charging plug's position without external intervention. When the cleaning robot approaches the charging base, the elastic component naturally pushes the plug into the charging position, and when moving away, the plug automatically retracts, enabling self-service operation that ensures both accessibility and protection
2Adaptability or versatility
If charging plugs remain exposed during cleaning operations, then charging readiness is maintained, but the plugs may collide with furniture causing deformation or scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The charging plug transitions from a static exposed state to a dynamic retractable state. The movable element guided by the rod allows the plug to remain exposed only when actively charging, while automatically retracting during navigation to avoid collisions with furniture, thus maintaining charging readiness when needed while preventing physical damage during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded movable element provides preliminary protective action by keeping the charging plug retracted before potential collisions occur. This preemptive positioning prevents the plug from contacting furniture or obstacles during the cleaning robot's movement, eliminating the harmful effects before they can manifest
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
Prevents damage to the charging plugs and surrounding objects by keeping them protected from environmental contacts, ensuring reliable and safe charging operations for the cleaning robot.
Implementation Method 1
a movable element having a pivot and an elastic component
Data Source
AI summary
An plug storage structure of a cleaning robot is presented. A charging structure includes a charging base and a main body of an electronic device. The charging base includes a charging terminal and a projecting portion. The main body has an external housing, charging plugs and an plug storage device. When the main body reaches the charging base, the projecting portion triggers the plug storage device, so that the charging plugs protrude from the external housing, so as to be connected to the charging terminal. When the main body leaves the charging base, the plug storage device automatically receives the charging plugs inside the external housing, so as to keep the plugs of the cleaning robot received inside the external housing during cleaning, thereby preventing the plugs of the cleaning robot from colliding with and damaging adjacent furniture.