Robot Cleaner Automatic Dust Discharge Using Brush Unit Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning robot systems face performance degradation due to inefficient dust collection and maintenance, leading to reduced cleaning effectiveness and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning system comprising a robot cleaner with a dust box and a maintenance station that uses air circulation and a brush unit with rotating rollers to effectively discharge dust, along with a dust sensing unit for automatic docking and dust removal, ensuring continuous cleaning performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If dust is stored in a dust box during cleaning operations, then cleaning capacity is improved, but cleaning performance degrades over time due to dust accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust storage capacityVSAvoidcleaning performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The maintenance station enables the robot cleaner to automatically discharge its own dust without user intervention. The system uses the existing brush unit opening for dust discharge, and the brush unit itself assists in the discharge process by rotating to propel dust outward, creating a self-maintaining system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically discards accumulated dust from the dust box at the maintenance station. The dust is discharged through the brush unit opening using airflow generated by the maintenance station, and the brush unit rotation assists in propelling dust outward, enabling periodic recovery of cleaning performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of operation

If the robot cleaner operates autonomously without user intervention, then ease of operation is improved, but maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidmaintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit opening serves multiple functions: it allows the brush unit to contact the floor during cleaning operations and serves as the dust discharge path during maintenance. The brush unit itself performs dual functions of cleaning during operation and assisting dust discharge during maintenance by rotating to propel dust outward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot cleaner automatically docks with the maintenance station and performs dust discharge without user intervention. The system uses its own brush unit rotation capability to assist in the dust discharge process, reducing the need for additional complex maintenance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If dust is discharged through the opening where the brush unit is installed, then device complexity is reduced, but dust discharge efficiency may be affected by brush interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of openingsVSAvoiddust discharge efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The brush unit, which could potentially obstruct dust discharge through the opening, is instead utilized as an active component to assist discharge. By rotating the brush unit, dust is propelled outward through the opening, converting a potential obstacle into a beneficial discharge mechanism that works together with the airflow from the maintenance station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The single opening serves dual purposes: allowing brush contact with the floor during cleaning and serving as the dust discharge path during maintenance. The brush unit similarly performs dual functions of floor cleaning and dust discharge assistance, eliminating the need for separate openings or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system maintains high cleaning performance by efficiently discharging and removing dust, reducing maintenance needs, and enhancing operational efficiency through automatic dust management.

Implementation Method 1

dust stored in a dust box is suspended in air introduced into the dust box through a first opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir suspension: Suspension

Implementation Method 2

dust stored in a dust box is suspended in air introduced into the dust box through a first opening formed through a robot cleaner, and is then discharged to a second opening formed through a maintenance station through the first opening of the robot cleaner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow transport: Advection

Implementation Method 3

maintenance station blows air into a dust box included in a robot cleaner through an opening of the robot cleaner where a brush unit is installed, and sucks dust stored in the dust box while being suspended in the air blown into the dust box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2407074B1Robot cleaner and maintenance station
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2407074B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2407074B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2407074B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a cleaning system, dust stored in a dust box is suspended in air introduced into the dust box through a first opening formed through a robot cleaner, and is then discharged to a second opening formed through a maintenance station through the first opening of the robot cleaner.