Robot cleaner and maintenance device for the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners struggle to efficiently remove relatively large-sized or heavy foreign matter during mopping operations, as it tends to remain on the floor due to not clinging to the mop, and also face issues with micro-scale foreign matter being blown away by air flow, reducing the effectiveness of the cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
The robot cleaner incorporates a sliding module with a collection portion that collects foreign matter, featuring a blocking portion and auxiliary collection member to prevent separation during turns and a rotating auxiliary collection member to facilitate easy introduction and difficult discharge, along with an air channel and fan to enhance cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional robot cleaner performs a mopping operation with a mop, then micro-scale foreign matter can be removed, but relatively large-sized or heavy foreign matter remains on the floor because it does not easily cling to the mop surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into two functional segments: a mop unit for removing micro-scale foreign matter through contact with the floor, and a collection portion with a space for collecting relatively large-sized or heavy foreign matter that does not cling to the mop. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in removing different types of foreign matter, thereby improving overall cleaning effectiveness without compromising either micro-scale or bulk foreign matter removal.
2Productivity
If the robot cleaner moves forward with the mop in contact with the floor, then foreign matter is collected at the front end of the contact region, but when the robot cleaner turns or moves rearward, the collected foreign matter is separated from the mop and remains on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The foreign matter collection function is extracted from the mop unit and placed into a separate collection portion with a defined space. The collection portion includes a blocking portion that prevents foreign matter from falling off during turns or rearward movement. By extracting the collection function from the contact-based mop, the system ensures that collected foreign matter remains contained regardless of the robot cleaner's movement direction or orientation changes.
3Speed
If air flows from the front end of the contact region along the circumference when the robot cleaner moves forward, then the mopping operation can proceed, but micro-scale foreign matter flies away without clinging to the mop due to this air flow
Solution Approach 1:
An air channel is introduced as an intermediary component between the moving robot cleaner and the foreign matter on the floor. The air channel guides air flow in a controlled manner, creating a fluid current that transports micro-scale foreign matter toward the mop unit. This intermediary air flow system enhances the mop's ability to capture micro-scale particles by actively delivering them to the contact region, counteracting the harmful effect of uncontrolled air flow that would otherwise cause particles to fly away.
4Reliability
If a robot cleaner is designed to collect both relatively large-sized and micro-scale foreign matter, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like collection portion, blocking portion, and air channel
Solution Approach 1:
The collection portion, blocking portion, and air channel are merged into an integrated cleaning system that works synergistically with the existing mop unit. The collection portion is positioned to receive foreign matter, the blocking portion is integrated to prevent loss, and the air channel is configured to guide air flow toward the cleaning area. By merging these components into a unified structure rather than separate add-on devices, the system achieves multi-functional cleaning capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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
This design ensures efficient collection and removal of both bulky and micro-scale foreign matter, improving the thoroughness and efficiency of the mopping operation while maintaining the cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a suction module including a suction port configured to be inserted into the collection portion and a suction fan configured to operate when the maintenance device is in the charging state
Implementation Method 2
an air channel extending from the collection portion to the external environment through the sliding module and the body
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a robot cleaner and a maintenance device for the same. The robot cleaner includes a body, a traveling module for moving the body, a bottom portion disposed in front of the traveling module for sliding along a floor when the body is moved, and a collection portion disposed in front of the bottom portion, the collection portion having therein a space for collecting foreign matter on the floor. The maintenance device includes a suction port configured to be inserted into the collection portion and a suction channel for guiding the movement of the air suctioned through the suction port.