Robot Cleaner Dust Container Airflow Separation and Easy HEPA Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face issues with reduced suction force, inability to separate brush rollers, increased collision probability of the suction unit with obstacles, blind spots in sensing, and inconvenient HEPA filter replacement due to complex disassembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner design featuring 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 by integrating a HEPA filter that can be accessed without disassembling the cleaner body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the suction unit protrudes from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved, but the collision probability 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 operations and retracting when obstacles are detected by the sensing unit. This dynamic configuration allows the suction unit to maintain an optimized position for suction performance while automatically avoiding collisions, thus resolving the contradiction between improved suction force and reduced collision probability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit provides real-time feedback about obstacles in the environment to the control unit, which then adjusts the position of the suction unit accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the suction unit to protrude when the path is clear (maintaining high suction force) and retract when obstacles are detected (preventing collisions), effectively resolving the technical contradiction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the HEPA filter is integrated inside the cleaner body, then the filtration is effective, but the filter replacement requires disassembly of the cleaner body
Solution Approach 1:
The dust container is designed as a separate, detachable component from the cleaner body, with the HEPA filter integrated within the dust container rather than the main body. This segmentation allows the dust container and filter to be removed as a single unit for easy maintenance, while still providing effective filtration when the container is properly sealed and attached to the cleaner body
Solution Approach 2:
The HEPA filter and dust container are extracted as a removable assembly from the cleaner body, allowing users to easily detach the entire dust container unit for filter replacement or cleaning without disassembling the main cleaner body structure. This extraction approach maintains effective filtration during operation while dramatically improving maintenance convenience
3Device complexity
If the sensing unit is positioned behind the suction unit, then the cleaner body structure is simplified, but blind spots in obstacle detection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing unit is positioned on the upper surface of the cleaner body rather than behind it, changing the spatial dimension of obstacle detection. This upper positioning allows the sensors to detect obstacles before the suction unit reaches them, eliminating blind spots while maintaining a relatively simple cleaner body structure through strategic sensor placement
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 access and replacement of components, ensuring efficient and safe operation.
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.