Robot Cleaner Modular Dust Container for Easy Filter Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face issues with reduced suction force, separation of brush rollers, 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
A robot cleaner design with a suction unit protruding from the cleaner body, equipped with a cover member to prevent obstacle collisions, a sensing unit for obstacle detection, and a modular dust container system with easy 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 advanced position for effective suction while automatically retreating to avoid 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:
An auxiliary sensing unit is installed on the suction unit itself to act as an intermediary detection element. This auxiliary sensor specifically monitors the area in front of the protruding suction unit that would otherwise be a blind spot, enabling the system to maintain both the protruding configuration for effective suction and complete obstacle detection coverage
3Object-affected 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 segmented from the main cleaner body and integrated into the removable dust container assembly. This segmentation allows the filter to remain integrated with a functional unit (the dust container) for effective filtration, while enabling easy access and replacement by simply detaching the dust container, eliminating the need to disassemble the cleaner body
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 complex multi-step coupling structure is replaced by extracting the essential securing function and implementing it through simple elastic hooks that engage with corresponding slots. This extraction of the core function maintains secure assembly through the elastic retention force while dramatically simplifying the assembly and disassembly operations to a single snap-in/snap-out action
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 suction efficiency, reduces collision risks, provides comprehensive sensing capabilities, and simplifies maintenance by preventing blind spots and facilitating easy filter replacement.
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; a suction unit sucking air containing dust to be introduced into the cleaner body; and a dust container detachably coupled to the cleaner body, the dust container collecting dust filtered from the air introduced into the cleaner body, wherein the dust container includes: an external case including at least one cyclone filtering dust in air introduced into the dust container; an upper case coupled to an upper portion of the external case, the upper case including an upper opening corresponding to a space into which air passing through the cyclone is discharged; an upper cover detachably coupled to the upper case to open/close the upper opening; and a filter mounted on a rear surface of the upper cover, the filter covering the discharged space of the air passing through the cyclone when the upper cover is coupled to the upper case, to filter dust in the air passing through the cyclone.