Robot Caster Self-Cleaning Brush for Floor Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robots with casters can cause damage to floors due to foreign substances and require frequent cleaning, which is inefficient and messy.
Innovation Solution
A robot equipped with a sensor to detect foreign substances on the caster, a brush to remove them, and a mechanism to move the brush into and out of contact with the caster, along with an optional fan to blow away debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot uses casters for movement, then the robot can move smoothly and adapt to different terrains, but foreign substances accumulate on the caster surface causing floor damage
Solution Approach 1:
The robot performs self-cleaning by using its own driving force to rotate the caster, which brings foreign substances into contact with the brush for removal. The system serves itself by utilizing its operational movement to facilitate the cleaning process, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush is designed to be movable relative to the caster, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The brush moves into contact with the caster when cleaning is needed and can be retracted when not in use, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the caster is kept clean by manual cleaning, then foreign substances are removed, but cleaning work requires time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously cleans its own caster components by utilizing its driving mechanism to rotate the caster and bring foreign substances into contact with the brush. This self-cleaning process eliminates the need for manual cleaning operations and associated time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation can be performed continuously or periodically during the robot's normal operation. The sensor detects foreign substances in real-time and triggers the cleaning process, ensuring continuous cleanliness without interrupting the robot's overall functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a brush is added to remove foreign substances, then the caster stays clean, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The caster serves multiple functions: it provides movement capability for the robot and simultaneously acts as a component to be cleaned by the brush. The driving mechanism that rotates the caster for movement also facilitates the cleaning process by bringing foreign substances into contact with the brush, combining multiple functions in a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot's own driving force is utilized to rotate the caster during cleaning operations, eliminating the need for a separate motor or actuator dedicated solely to cleaning. The system uses its existing operational capabilities to perform the cleaning function.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the brush is always in contact with the caster, then cleaning is continuous, but the brush interferes with caster rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is designed as a movable component that can dynamically adjust its position relative to the caster. It moves into contact with the caster when foreign substances are detected and can be retracted when not in use, allowing the caster to rotate freely during normal operation without brush interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor detects foreign substances in advance and triggers the brush to move into contact with the caster before significant contamination occurs. This preliminary action prevents the accumulation of foreign substances that could interfere with caster rotation, addressing the problem before it arises.
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
Minimizes floor damage and reduces the need for manual cleaning by effectively removing foreign substances from the caster, keeping the robot and floor clean.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may comprise a Tof sensor or an infrared sensor disposed apart from the surface of the caster
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may comprise a Tof sensor or an infrared sensor disposed apart from the surface of the caster
Implementation Method 3
The brush mover may comprise a solenoid configured to operate when the sensing value of the sensor exceeds a reference value
Implementation Method 4
a spring connecting the solenoid and the brush
Implementation Method 5
The robot may further comprise an input interface configured to vary the set cycle
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiment comprises a driving wheel; casters disposed around the drive wheel; and sensors for sensing foreign substances on the surface of the casters; brushes for removing the foreign substances from the surface of the casters; and brush movers that move the brushes to contact positions contacting the casters or separation positions spaced apart from the casters, according to values sensed by the sensors.