Retractable Dustpan for Single-Roller Mobile Cleaning Robot Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous mobile cleaning robots face difficulties in debris extraction when using a single rotating member, as it requires more energy and is less effective compared to a pair of rollers rotating in opposite directions, and the use of a dustpan can hinder mobility due to engagement with the floor surface.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a retractable dustpan that is engageable with the floor surface and the roller to direct debris into a suction duct, allowing for effective debris extraction with a single roller while improving mobility by retracting when obstacles are encountered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single roller is used for debris extraction, then energy consumption is reduced and device complexity is simplified, but debris extraction effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan acts as an intermediary component between the single roller and the suction duct. It receives debris from the roller and directs it into the suction duct, enhancing the debris extraction effectiveness of the single roller system without requiring additional rollers
Solution Approach 2:
The debris extraction function is segmented into two distinct components: the roller that contacts and moves debris, and the dustpan that directs debris into the suction duct. This segmentation allows the single roller to focus on debris movement while the dustpan handles debris direction, improving overall effectiveness
2Productivity
If a dustpan is engaged with the floor surface to direct debris, then debris extraction is improved, but robot mobility deteriorates due to mobility issues during navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The dustpan is designed with movable connection to the robot body, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The dustpan can be retracted when obstacles are encountered during navigation, and extended when engaged with the floor surface for debris extraction, resolving the conflict between debris extraction effectiveness and robot mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the dustpan is changed dynamically during operation. The dustpan transitions between extended and retracted positions based on navigation requirements, allowing the robot to maintain both debris extraction capability and mobility by adjusting the dustpan's position parameter
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile cleaning robot can include a body and a cleaning assembly. The body can include a suction duct. The cleaning assembly can be operable to ingest debris from a surface of an environment. The cleaning assembly can include a dustpan engageable with the surface to direct debris toward the suction duct. The dust pan can be movable with respect to the body.