Robot Cleaner Mop-Roller Layout for Stable Autonomous Mopping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners that use rotating mops for mopping operations face issues with stability, directional control, speed, and route flexibility, as well as inefficiencies in moisture removal and the ability to perform both wet and dry cleaning operations simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner design incorporating a first cleaning module with left and right spin mops, a second cleaning module with a rolling member, and a water supply module, allowing for autonomous movement without a separate driving wheel, enhanced stability, and the capability to perform both wet and dry cleaning operations, with the rolling member supplementing the mopping action and improving travel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a robot cleaner uses a pair of left and right mops in a two-point support manner for movement, then the device can achieve autonomous mobility, but stability in the forward-and-backward direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into multiple support points: a first support point (front mop), a second support point (rear mop), and a third support point (rolling member). This segmentation of the support system provides both autonomous mobility through differential rotation and improved stability through distributed contact points along the forward-and-backward axis
Solution Approach 2:
The rolling member is introduced as a third support point in the forward-and-backward dimension, complementing the left-right support from the pair of mops. This adds a dimensional element to the support structure, creating a more stable triangular or linear arrangement that prevents backward tipping while maintaining mobility
2Ease of operation
If a robot cleaner moves via rotation of a pair of left and right mops, then autonomous movement is achieved, but frictional force varies frequently making straight travel difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling member acts as an intermediary support element between the rotating mops and the floor. It provides a stable contact point that does not rotate, helping to stabilize the frictional force distribution and enabling more consistent straight-line travel by reducing the variability caused by mop rotation alone
3Ease of operation
If a robot cleaner uses rotation of left and right mops for movement, then mobility is achieved, but limitations occur in traveling speed and traveling route flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically coordinates three support elements: the left and right mops can rotate independently for differential steering, while the rolling member provides adaptive support. This dynamic configuration allows variable speeds by adjusting rotation rates and enables flexible routing through combined rotational and rolling movements, overcoming the limitations of simple two-point support
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
The design enhances stability and efficiency in mopping operations, enables straight travel, increases speed and route flexibility, and effectively removes moisture, allowing for thorough and simultaneous mopping and sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a first cleaning module including a left spin mop and a right spin mop provided so as to come into contact with a floor while rotating in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction... The body may move via rotation of the left spin mop and the right spin mop
Implementation Method 2
a second cleaning module configured so as to come into contact with the floor at a position spaced apart from the left spin mop and the right spin mop in a forward-and-backward direction... a rolling member configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner includes a body, a left spin-mop module located on a left side of the body and a right spin-mop module located on a right side of the body, each of the left spin-mop module and the right spin-mop module being rotatable about a first rotational axis to perform mopping, a left spin-drive unit disposed on the left side of the body, the left spin-drive unit being configured to provide a force to rotate the left spin-mop module; and a right spin-drive unit disposed on the right side of the body, the right spin-drive unit being configured to provide a force to rotate the right spin-mop module. Each of the left spin-drive unit and the right spin-drive unit has a second rotational axis that extend in a direction different from the first rotational axis of the respective left spin-drive unit and the right spin-drive unit.