Robot Cleaner Discharge Flow Path Segmentation to Reduce Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners with small-volume fan motors suffer from reduced cleaning efficiency due to weaker suction force and generate noise, which is uncomfortable for users when operating in the same space.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a fan motor unit with a first housing and a second housing separated by chambers with slits, and the installation of sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise and maintain suction force, improving cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a small-volume fan motor is installed in the robot cleaner, then the noise is reduced, but the suction force becomes weaker and cleaning efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge flow path is segmented into multiple sections using a plurality of discharge flow path partition walls that extend from the discharge opening toward the fan motor. This segmentation divides the airflow into multiple streams, reducing turbulence and noise while maintaining effective suction force for cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls extend in the axial direction of the fan motor, creating a three-dimensional flow path structure. This dimensional approach allows the airflow to be managed in multiple directions, reducing noise through distributed discharge while preserving the overall suction performance
2Productivity
If a fan motor with greater suction force is used, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the noise becomes louder
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the discharge flow path with multiple partition walls, the strong airflow from a high-power fan motor is divided into several weaker streams. This reduces the noise intensity while collectively maintaining the required suction force for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls create localized flow control zones within the discharge path. Each zone manages a portion of the airflow with specific characteristics, allowing the overall system to achieve both high suction force and reduced noise through localized flow optimization
3Force
If the suction force of the fan motor is increased, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge flow path is divided into multiple segments by partition walls, transforming a single high-velocity noisy jet into multiple lower-velocity streams. This segmentation maintains the total suction force while reducing the noise level of each individual stream
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 reduces noise generation while maintaining or enhancing the suction force, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a sound-absorbing material may be installed in an inside space of the chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
By improving a structure of a discharge flow path of a robot cleaner, it may be possible to minimize a loss of a suction force, thereby reducing a noise without deteriorating cleaning efficiency. The robot cleaner includes a fan motor configured to generate a suction force, a first housing in which the fan motor is accommodated, a second housing in which the first housing is accommodated, and a chamber positioned between the first housing and the second housing, wherein a plurality of slits are formed in the chamber.