Robot Cleaner Automated Cloth Replacement for Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners require manual intervention to replace contaminated cleaning cloths, which can lead to inefficient cleaning operations and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner with an automated attaching/detaching structure that includes a separation driver with a stopper and a cleaning cloth module, allowing for automatic replacement of the cleaning cloth based on contamination levels or preset time limits, using a motor-driven system and actuator to manage the cloth's attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual replacement of cleaning cloth is required, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning cloth replacement system operates autonomously without user intervention. The separation driver automatically detaches the cleaning cloth module when contamination is detected, and the attaching member automatically reattaches it when clean, enabling the system to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects contamination levels in advance and prepares for replacement before the cleaning cloth becomes completely ineffective. The automatic attaching/detaching mechanism is pre-configured to enable rapid replacement without manual intervention
2Productivity
If cleaning cloth is continuously used without replacement, then productivity is maintained, but cleaning quality deteriorates due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The contamination detection sensor continuously monitors the cleaning cloth condition and provides feedback to the control unit. When contamination exceeds a threshold, the system automatically triggers the separation driver to replace the cleaning cloth, ensuring cleaning quality is maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically discards contaminated cleaning cloths and recovers clean ones from storage. The attaching member holds multiple cleaning cloths and automatically switches between them based on contamination status, ensuring continuous effective cleaning operation
3Ease of operation
If automatic cleaning cloth replacement is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor serves multiple functions: it drives the cleaning cloth module rotation during cleaning and also drives the separation driver for automatic replacement. The attaching member both holds the cleaning cloth and provides the detachment mechanism, reducing overall system 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
Enables continuous operation without user intervention, ensuring effective cleaning by automatically replacing the cleaning cloth when necessary, enhancing cleaning efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a second member configured to be rotated by the motor
Implementation Method 2
a separation driver including a stopper configured to vertically move up and down
Implementation Method 3
The thread coupling portion may be configured to be engaged with a thread around the rotating member to be moved along a path of the thread when the rotating member is rotated to vertically move the stopper
Implementation Method 4
the actuator may operate in a solenoid manner
Implementation Method 5
when rotation of the first member is stopped by the stopper, the second member may be slid along an inclined surface of the first inclined portion to separate the second member from the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner includes a housing; a motor in the housing; a separation driver including a stopper configured to vertically move up and down; and a cleaning cloth module including a first member including a stopper insertion hole into which the stopper is insertable, and an attaching member to which a cleaning cloth is detachably couplable, and a second member configured to be rotated by the motor, and positioned between the first member and the cleaning cloth to be coupled and separably coupled with the first member.