Robot Cleaner Dust Collector With Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners face challenges in achieving effective cleaning performance due to the limitations of low-capacity fan motors, which restrict suction force and hinder the collection of heavy dust, especially when designed to be compact for navigating under furniture.
Innovation Solution
The robot cleaner is designed with a dust collector divided into multiple collecting regions, where heavy dust is collected in a lower region by the rotating brush and light dust in an upper region by the suction force, using a blower with a backflow preventing member and guide portion to enhance suction efficiency and prevent dust discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large-size fan motor is used to generate high suction force, then cleaning performance is improved, but the robot cleaner size increases and cannot clean under furniture
Solution Approach 1:
The dust collector is divided into multiple collecting regions (first collecting region for heavy dust, second collecting region for light dust) with separate suction paths. This segmentation allows the system to optimize dust collection efficiency without requiring a larger fan motor, as each region is tailored for specific dust types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different collecting regions are designed with different characteristics - the first collecting region handles heavy dust while the second handles light dust. This local differentiation optimizes the overall system performance without increasing the fan motor size, as each region is specialized for its specific dust collection function.
2Force
If the sectional area of the suction hole is reduced to strengthen suction force, then suction force is improved, but the ability to collect bulky or various shapes of dust deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented into multiple suction holes corresponding to different collecting regions. The first suction hole connects to the first collecting region for heavy dust, while the second suction hole connects to the second collecting region for light dust. This segmentation allows each suction hole to be optimized for its specific dust type without compromising overall collection versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust collector system serves multiple functions through its divided structure - it can simultaneously collect both heavy dust and light dust through different paths. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various dust types and shapes effectively while maintaining appropriate suction force for each type.
3Productivity
If the suction hole sectional area is increased to improve cleaning performance by sweeping operation, then dust collection ability is improved, but the suction force generated by the fan motor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is divided into multiple suction paths with different sectional areas optimized for specific dust types. The first suction path handles heavy dust while the second suction path handles light dust, allowing each path to have appropriate dimensions for its function without compromising overall suction force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different suction paths are designed with different local characteristics - some paths have larger cross-sections for bulky dust while others maintain smaller cross-sections for maintaining high suction force. This local optimization allows the system to achieve both good dust collection ability and sufficient suction force simultaneously.
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 configuration improves cleaning efficiency to 95% compared to conventional robot cleaners, effectively collecting heavy and light dust while maintaining a compact design and preventing dust backflow.
Implementation Method 1
a blower (30) to generate a suction force to be applied into the dust collector (20)
Implementation Method 2
a rotating brush (14) to sweep up dust on the floor
Implementation Method 3
a backflow preventing member (41) to prevent the dust collected in the dust collector (20) from flowing backward
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A robot cleaner (1) having a configuration capable of improving mobility to collect dust, etc. as disclosed. The robot cleaner (1) includes a suction hole (11) to suction dust, a blower (30) to generate a suction force to suction the dust, the dust collected to receive the dust suctioned by said suction force through the suction hole (11), a rotating brush (14) to sweep up and collect the dust into the dust collector (20) through the suction hole (11) by a drive force of the rotating brush (14), wherein the dust collector (20) includes a back flow preventing member (41) movable between an open position and a closed position. The backflow preventing member (41) is pivotably rotatable in a air suction direction by the suction force of the blower (30) to the open position and is adapted to return to the closed position to prevent the dust in the dust collector (20) from being discharged through the suction hole (11) upon stoppage of the blower (30).