Robot Cleaner Modular Dust Container Design for Easy Filter Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot cleaners face challenges such as reduced suction force, difficulty in separating the brush roller, increased collision probability of the suction unit with obstacles, blind spots in sensing, and inconvenient HEPA filter replacement due to complex disassembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a suction unit protruding from the cleaner body with cover members to prevent collisions, a sensing unit with overlapping fields of view to detect obstacles, and a modular dust container system with easy assembly and filter access, allowing for improved navigation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the suction unit protrudes from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved, but the collision probability with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction unit is designed to be movable relative to the cleaner body, capable of protruding forward during cleaning operations and retracting when obstacles are detected by the sensing unit. This dynamic configuration allows the suction unit to maintain an optimal position for suction performance while avoiding collisions, thus resolving the contradiction between improved suction force and reduced collision probability
2Power
If the suction unit protrudes from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved, but the suction unit is located in a blind spot of the sensing unit
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple sensing units positioned at different locations on the cleaner body. This segmentation allows the sensing units to collectively cover the area around the protruding suction unit, eliminating blind spots while maintaining the suction unit's forward position for optimal cleaning performance
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the HEPA filter is integrated into the cleaner body, then the filtration is effective, but the filter replacement requires disassembly of the cleaner body
Solution Approach 1:
The HEPA filter is integrated into the removable dust container rather than being permanently fixed in the cleaner body. This segmentation allows the filter to remain integrated with a functional unit for effective filtration while enabling easy access and replacement by simply removing the dust container, thus resolving the contradiction between effective filtration and maintenance convenience
4Reliability
If the dust container has a complex coupling structure, then the assembly is secure, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling structure is segmented into discrete coupling protrusions and coupling grooves positioned at specific locations on the dust container and cleaner body. This segmented design provides secure mechanical interlocking through multiple contact points while maintaining simplicity that allows easy manual assembly and disassembly, resolving the contradiction between assembly security and operational convenience
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
Enhances the suction force, reduces collision risks, provides comprehensive obstacle detection, and simplifies maintenance by ensuring easy assembly and filter replacement, leading to more effective and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a flow separating part extending downwardly inclined along the inner circumference of the dust container
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a wheel unit and a controller controlling driving of the wheel unit; a dust container accommodation part having a shape recessed toward the front from the rear thereof to be opened to the rear; a dust container detachably coupled to the dust container accommodation part, the dust container have a portion protruding rearward of a rear end of the cleaner body in a state in which the dust container is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part; and a dust container cover rotatably coupled to the cleaner body to cover the dust container, wherein the dust container cover is accommodated in the dust container accommodation part in a state in which the dust container cover is disposed to cover the dust container, and a portion of the dust container cover protrudes rearward of the rear end of the cleaner body.