Robot cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot cleaners face challenges in efficiently cleaning corners and navigating obstacles due to complex transmission structures and user-dependent operation, which increase the volume of the nozzle and annoy users.

Innovation Solution

A robot cleaner with a movable unit that can change positions without user intervention, protruding forward from the nozzle to clean corners and overlap with the nozzle when necessary, utilizing an elastic member and bumper to transmit forces and simplify the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a transmitting structure is added to transmit rotational force from the tilting lever to the gasket element, then the gasket element can be positioned to protrude out of the nozzle, but the device complexity increases and the nozzle volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegasket element positioningVSAvoidtransmission structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket element is extracted from the internal structure and positioned to protrude outward from the nozzle body. This allows the gasket element to be directly accessible for user handling without requiring complex internal transmission mechanisms, as the element itself becomes the operational interface rather than a remotely controlled component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tilting lever is designed to serve multiple functions: it directly positions the gasket element for both user handling access and effective sealing operation. By integrating these functions into a single mechanism without separate transmission components, the design achieves multi-functionality while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the gasket element is positioned to protrude out of the nozzle for user handling, then user accessibility is improved, but the nozzle volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidnozzle volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket element protrudes locally from a specific portion of the nozzle body rather than increasing the overall nozzle dimensions. This localized protrusion provides user accessibility where needed while maintaining a compact overall nozzle structure, as the protrusion is confined to the gasket element's operational area without expanding the entire nozzle volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the movable unit is added to protrude forward from the nozzle to clean corners, then corner cleaning performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner cleaning performanceVSAvoidmovable unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable unit is designed to dynamically change its position relative to the nozzle body, protruding forward when corner cleaning is needed and retracting when not required. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its structure to different cleaning scenarios, improving corner cleaning performance while maintaining a compact form when the extended function is not needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable unit is positioned and configured to automatically facilitate corner cleaning without requiring additional user intervention or complex control mechanisms. The unit's design allows it to self-position effectively for corner access, reducing the need for sophisticated transmission or control structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the movable unit overlaps with the nozzle to cross over obstacles, then obstacle navigation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle navigationVSAvoidmovable unit mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable unit can dynamically adjust its position to overlap with the nozzle body when encountering obstacles, allowing the robot cleaner to effectively cross over obstacles by positioning the movable unit to bridge the gap. This dynamic reconfiguration provides adaptability for obstacle navigation without requiring permanent structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 corner cleaning performance and obstacle navigation by applying suction force effectively and reducing user interaction, while simplifying the nozzle structure and minimizing interference with obstacles.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member to elastically support the movable unit such that the movable unit is moved from the first position to the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11457782B2Robot cleaner

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A robot cleaner includes a body configured to house a suction motor, a nozzle coupled to the body and including a suction port, and a movable unit coupled to the nozzle in front of the suction port. The movable unit is movable between a first position where the movable unit overlaps with the nozzle and a second position where the movable unit protrudes forward from the nozzle.