Robot cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face issues with decreased suction force, inability to separate brush rollers, increased collision probability with obstacles, blind spots in sensing units, complex assembly of dust containers, and inconvenient filter replacement.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner design with a protruding suction unit, integrated sensing parts for simultaneous front and upper image capture, bumper switches for obstacle collision detection, a secure dust container attachment mechanism, and a hinge-coupled dust container cover for easy filter access and increased capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the suction unit is disposed to protrude from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved and brush roller separation becomes possible, but the probability of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction unit is separated from the main cleaner body as an independent protruding module, allowing it to be optimized for suction performance while being equipped with its own collision sensing capability. This segmentation enables the suction unit to function independently in terms of both cleaning and obstacle detection.
Solution Approach 2:
A collision sensing unit is integrated into the protruding suction unit to provide real-time feedback about obstacles. When the sensing unit detects a collision or potential collision, it sends signals to the control unit, which then adjusts the driving unit to avoid the obstacle, creating a closed-loop feedback system that resolves the collision risk.
2Measurement precision
If the suction unit protrudes from the cleaner body, then direct obstacle collision sensing is improved, but the suction unit is located in a blind spot of the sensing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The collision sensing function is extracted from the main cleaner body and relocated to the protruding suction unit itself. This ensures that the sensing unit is positioned exactly where collision detection is most critical, eliminating the blind spot problem that would exist if sensors remained on the main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The collision sensing unit is positioned at the forwardmost protruding part of the cleaner, allowing it to detect obstacles before the main body encounters them. This preliminary detection enables the control unit to take preventive action, avoiding collisions before they affect the main cleaner body.
3Quantity of substance
If the dust container capacity is increased, then dust collection capability is improved, but the cleaner body height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dust container is oriented horizontally rather than vertically, changing the dimension in which capacity is increased. By extending the container in the horizontal direction (length) rather than the vertical direction (height), the design achieves greater dust storage capacity without increasing the overall height of the cleaner body.
4Reliability
If the dust container and cover are firmly fixed, then assembly reliability is improved, but assembly convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into discrete coupling protrusions and coupling grooves that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This segmented design allows the cover to be firmly fixed during operation while remaining simple to assemble and disassemble when needed for maintenance or dust removal.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a controller, the cleaner body having a dust container accommodation part formed therein; a wheel unit mounted in the cleaner body, wherein the controller is configured to control driving of the wheel unit; a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part; a dust container cover rotatably provided at the cleaner body to be positioned over the dust container; a sensor provided at the dust container cover, wherein the controller determines a state of the dust container cover based on information detected by the sensor.