Robotic Cleaner Evacuation Dock for Automatic Bin Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous cleaning robots face challenges in efficiently emptying debris from their bins without human intervention, limiting their operational duration and coverage area due to the need for larger bins or frequent manual emptying.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system comprising a robotic cleaner that navigates to an evacuation station, where it docks and empties its bin into a portable vacuum using a suction mechanism, allowing for continuous operation without human interaction and enabling larger coverage areas with a standard-sized bin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the bin capacity is increased to extend operational duration, then the robot can operate longer without emptying, but the robot becomes larger and less adaptable to standard cleaning spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the debris storage function into two segments: a compact bin on the robot for active cleaning operations, and a larger external vacuum container for debris accumulation. The robot's bin remains small for adaptability, while the external system provides extended capacity through periodic evacuation.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated evacuation station acts as an intermediary between the robot's bin and the external vacuum system. This mediator enables automatic debris transfer without human intervention, allowing the robot to maintain a small bin while accessing extended storage capacity through the external vacuum system.
2Ease of operation
If manual emptying is required, then the bin can be emptied, but human intervention is needed which reduces automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated evacuation stations that the robot can independently access and use. The robot autonomously navigates to the station, docks, and transfers debris without human intervention. The station automatically receives and stores the debris, enabling the system to service itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The evacuation station is pre-positioned and ready to receive debris before the robot needs emptying. The system prepares the external vacuum container in advance, so when the robot arrives at the station, the evacuation infrastructure is already in place and operational.
3Area of stationary object
If a larger bin is used to increase coverage area, then the robot can cover more area, but the robot size increases and maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system externalizes the storage dimension by placing the large vacuum container outside the robot's working volume. The robot maintains its compact size for maneuverability while the coverage area is effectively extended through the external container that can hold debris from much larger areas.
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 autonomous robotic cleaners to operate for extended periods without human intervention, as the bin can be emptied automatically into a portable vacuum, enhancing their operational efficiency and coverage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The portable vacuum is configured to provide suction to the bin when the robotic cleaner is docked at the evacuation station.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C
AI summary
A cleaning system includes a robotic cleaner (10) and an evacuation station. The robotic cleaner (10) can dock with the evacuation station to have debris evacuated by the evacuation station. The robotic cleaner (10) includes a bin to store debris, and the bin includes a port door (56) through which the debris can be evacuated into the evacuation station. The evacuation station includes a vacuum motor to evacuate the bin of the robotic cleaner (10).