Robot Cleaner Floorcloth Coupling for Automatic Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners require manual replacement of contaminated floorcloths, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner with a detachable floorcloth system that allows automatic replacement by rotating a floorcloth coupling member to detach and attach new floorcloths without user intervention, using a rotation member, stopper, and lifting motor to manage the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual replacement of floorcloth is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner performs floorcloth replacement automatically without user intervention. The rotation member rotates to detach the used floorcloth and attach a new one, enabling the system to service itself and eliminating manual replacement operations
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple floorcloths are pre-loaded onto the rotation member before operation begins. When one floorcloth is depleted, the system automatically switches to the next pre-loaded floorcloth, eliminating the need for users to manually replace floorcloths during operation
2Extent of automation
If automatic floorcloth replacement is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The floorcloth replacement function is segmented into distinct components: the rotation member that holds multiple floorcloths, the floorcloth coupling member that attaches to the robot cleaner, and the stopper that controls rotation. This segmentation allows automatic replacement while keeping each component relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation member transitions between different rotational states (first state for cleaning, second state for replacement) controlled by the stopper. This dynamic state change enables the system to automatically switch between cleaning and replacement modes without complex control mechanisms
3Productivity
If rotation member rotates in second state, then floorcloth replacement is achieved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential coupling loss
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is positioned to prevent rotation of the floorcloth coupling member during the replacement process. By blocking rotation until replacement is complete, the system prevents premature detachment or misalignment that would compromise reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary control element between the rotation member and the floorcloth coupling member. It mediates the rotation process by allowing rotation only when appropriate (when stopper is disengaged) and preventing rotation when inappropriate (when stopper is engaged), ensuring reliable operation
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner includes a rotation motor; a rotation member that is rotatable by driving of the rotation motor having a first surface, a second surface, and an opening through the rotation member and penetrating the first surface and the second surface; and a floorcloth coupling member disposed on the second surface and having a floorcloth attaching unit insertable into the opening to be detachably coupled to a floorcloth in contact with the first surface. The rotation member and the floorcloth coupling member are configured so that, when the floorcloth attaching unit is inserted into the opening and detachably coupled to the floorcloth, the rotation member rotates in a first state, the floorcloth attaching unit remains coupled to the floorcloth. When the rotation member rotates in a second state, the floorcloth attaching unit exits the opening so that the floorcloth becomes detached from the floorcloth attaching unit.