Robot Cleaner Suction and Sensing Layout for Obstacle Avoidance
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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, which affect their efficiency and usability.
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 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 and retracting when obstacles are detected by the sensing unit. This dynamic adjustment allows the suction unit to maintain optimal suction force when needed while minimizing collision probability through automatic retraction, directly resolving the technical contradiction between improved suction performance and reduced collision risk.
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 optimal suction force and complete obstacle detection coverage through the combined sensing fields of the main and auxiliary sensing units.
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 and significantly improving 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 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 design maintains secure assembly through the elastic retention force of the hooks while allowing easy one-handed assembly and disassembly by simply pressing the release mechanism, directly 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 robot cleaner's ability to avoid obstacles, maintain suction efficiency, and simplify maintenance tasks, leading to more effective cleaning 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 for autonomous traveling and a suction unit sucking air containing dust; a sensing unit disposed at one side of the cleaner body; a dust container accommodated in a dust container accommodation part formed at the other side of the cleaner body, the dust container collecting dust filtered from sucked air; and a dust container cover disposed to cover a top surface of the dust container, wherein an upper end of the sensing unit is formed at a position protruding upward from a top surface of the cleaner body and a top surface of the dust container cover.