Robot Cleaner Dust Container Airflow Separation and Collision Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot cleaners face challenges such as reduced suction force, inability to separate the brush roller, increased collision probability of the suction unit with obstacles, blind spots in sensing, and inconvenient HEPA filter replacement.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a suction unit protruding from the cleaner body with cover members to prevent collisions, a sensing unit that overlaps with the suction unit for obstacle detection, and a dust container with easy assembly and filter replacement features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the suction unit is provided to protrude from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved, but the probability of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction unit is designed to be movable relative to the cleaner body, capable of protruding forward during cleaning and retracting when obstacles are detected by the sensing unit. This dynamic configuration allows the suction unit to maintain an advanced position for better suction performance while being able to retreat to avoid collisions, thus resolving the contradiction between improved suction force and reduced collision probability.
2Power
If the suction unit is provided to protrude from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved, but the suction unit is located in a blind spot of the sensing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is divided into two segments: the main sensing unit on the cleaner body for general obstacle detection, and a separate sensing unit integrated on the suction unit itself for detecting obstacles in the blind spot area. This segmentation allows the protruding suction unit to maintain its advanced position for improved suction while the dedicated sensing unit ensures there are no blind spots, resolving the contradiction between suction performance and sensing coverage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the HEPA filter is integrated into the cleaner body, then the filtration is effective, but the filter replacement requires disassembly of the cleaner body
Solution Approach 1:
The HEPA filter is extracted from the cleaner body and relocated to the dust container. This allows the filter to remain integrated with the dust collection system where it effectively filters fine dust from the suctioned air, while also enabling easy removal and replacement of the filter simply by detaching the dust container, thus resolving the contradiction between effective filtration and convenient maintenance.
4Reliability
If the dust container has a complex coupling structure, then the assembly is secure, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure between the dust container and cleaner body is segmented into two functional parts: a quick-release mechanism for easy attachment and detachment, and a locking mechanism that engages automatically to ensure secure assembly. This segmented design allows the dust container to be easily coupled and decoupled while maintaining reliable connection during operation, resolving the contradiction between assembly security and operational convenience.
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
Enhances suction force, reduces collision risks, improves sensing accuracy, and simplifies maintenance by allowing easy alignment and detachment of components.
Implementation Method 1
a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a controller, the cleaner body having a dust container accommodation part formed therein; a wheel unit mounted in the cleaner body, the wheel unit of which driving is controlled by the controller; and a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part, wherein a first opening and a second opening are disposed at the same height in an inner wall of the dust container accommodation part, wherein the dust container includes: an entrance and an exit, disposed side by side along the circumference of the dust container, the entrance and the exit, respectively communicating with the first opening and the second opening when the dust container is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part; and a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container, the flow separating part separating the flow of air introduced into the entrance from the flow of air discharged toward the exit to be respectively guided to lower and upper portions thereof.