Robot Cleaner Dust Container Flow Separation for Compact Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face challenges with reduced suction force, separation of brush rollers, increased collision probability of the suction unit with obstacles, blind spots in sensing, and inconvenient filter replacement, particularly due to suboptimal design and assembly complexities.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner design featuring a suction unit that protrudes from the body, integrated sensing units with inclined and intersecting pattern irradiation for enhanced obstacle detection, a bumper switch for collision sensing, and a dust container with a hinge-coupled cover for easy assembly and filter replacement, allowing for improved navigation and maintenance.
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, but the probability of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction unit is configured to be movable relative to the cleaner body, transitioning between a protruding state during cleaning operations to maximize suction force and a retracted state during navigation to minimize collision probability. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize performance based on operational context.
2Quantity of substance
If the dust container capacity is increased, then the dust collection capability is improved, but the height of the cleaner body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dust container is designed to extend in the horizontal direction rather than increasing vertical height, utilizing the lateral space within the cleaner body to maximize dust storage capacity while maintaining a compact profile suitable for navigating under furniture.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust container is nested within the cleaner body structure, with the HEPA filter and other components arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration that maximizes internal volume utilization without increasing external dimensions.
3Reliability
If the HEPA filter is built into the cleaner body, then the filtration function is improved, but the ease of filter replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dust container assembly including the HEPA filter is designed as a separable module that can be easily detached from the cleaner body without requiring disassembly of the main structure. This modular design maintains effective filtration while enabling convenient filter replacement by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust container is equipped with quick-release latches or snap-fit mechanisms that are pre-configured for tool-free removal, allowing users to access and replace the HEPA filter quickly without requiring technical expertise or special tools.
Data Source
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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, the wheel unit of which driving is controlled by the controller; and a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part, wherein a first opening and a second opening are disposed at the same height in an inner wall of the dust container accommodation part, wherein the dust container includes: an entrance and an exit, disposed side by side along the circumference of the dust container, the entrance and the exit, respectively communicating with the first opening and the second opening when the dust container is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part; and a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container, the flow separating part separating the flow of air introduced into the entrance from the flow of air discharged toward the exit to be respectively guided to lower and upper portions thereof.