Robot Cleaner Station with Automatic Pad Detachment and Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners require manual replacement of cleaning pads, which is inconvenient and time-consuming for users.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system comprising a robot cleaner with a pad fixing part, a pad detacher, and a station with a pad storage box and supplier, allowing for automatic detachment and attachment of cleaning pads, enabling the robot cleaner to automatically replace pads with new ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pad replacement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner automatically detaches and replaces its own cleaning pad without user intervention. The pad detacher mechanism is activated by the cleaner driver to automatically separate the used pad from the pad fixing part, and the pad supplier from the station automatically provides a new pad,实现ing self-service pad replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad replacement function is divided into separate components: a pad detacher mechanism on the robot cleaner for removing used pads, and a pad supplier mechanism in the station for providing new pads. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, improving overall automation while managing complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If automatic pad replacement is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic pad replacement where the robot cleaner autonomously detaches used pads and receives new pads from the station without user intervention. This self-service capability ensures continuous cleaning operations, improving productivity while the complexity is managed through coordinated automation between the cleaner and station.
Solution Approach 2:
The station acts as an intermediary between the robot cleaner and the pad supply source. It stores multiple pads in the pad storage box and uses the pad supplier mechanism to automatically provide new pads to the cleaner, mediating the complex interaction between pad storage, retrieval, and installation to ensure continuous operation.
3Loss of time
If pad storage box is added to station, then loss of time is reduced for pad replacement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning pads are pre-stored in the pad storage box at the station before the robot cleaner needs them. The pad supplier mechanism is pre-configured to automatically retrieve and supply new pads when needed, eliminating the time users would otherwise spend manually replacing pads while managing station complexity through proactive preparation.
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 provides automatic pad replacement, enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring continuous cleaning operations without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pad fixing part and the cleaning pad may include a magnetic body.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a robot cleaner and a station. The robot cleaner includes a pad fixing part on which a cleaning pad is detachably mounted, a lifter to lift a part of the robot cleaner at which the pad fixing part is positioned, and a pad detacher to detach the cleaning pad mounted on the pad fixing part. The station includes a pad storage box in which a cleaning pad that is to be provided to the robot cleaner is stored, a pad coupling part on which a cleaning pad that is to be coupled to the robot cleaner is rested, and a pad supplier to supply the cleaning pad stored in the pad storage box to the pad coupling part.