Robot Cleaner Dust Discharge via Periodic Suction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face inefficiencies in discharging foreign substances from their dust containers due to constant suction force, leading to clogged internal components and reduced suction power, which can cause user discomfort and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
The cleaning apparatus periodically changes the suction force of the robot cleaner's suction device and the docking station's suction device during the discharge process, varying the airflow to efficiently remove foreign substances and prevent clogging, while ensuring the suction force remains effective and user-friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant suction force is applied during discharge, then discharge power is maintained, but foreign substances become clogged in internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The suction force is applied periodically rather than continuously during the discharge process. The controller alternates between applying suction force and pausing, which prevents foreign substances from becoming clogged in internal components while maintaining effective discharge power. This periodic action allows particles to be dislodged and moved along the discharge path without getting trapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force is made dynamic by varying its application over time. The controller adjusts the suction force intensity and duration based on the discharge process stage, transitioning from high intensity at the beginning to reduced intensity later. This dynamic adjustment optimizes discharge effectiveness while preventing clogging of internal components.
2Productivity
If high suction force is applied continuously, then foreign substances are removed effectively, but suction power of the robot cleaner is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The high suction force is applied periodically during the discharge process rather than continuously. The controller activates the suction device at high power for specific time intervals to effectively remove foreign substances, then pauses to allow the system to recover and prevent excessive power consumption that would reduce the robot cleaner's suction power for subsequent cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force is applied at excessive intensity only when necessary during the discharge process, rather than maintaining high power continuously. The controller applies high suction force during critical discharge phases to ensure effective foreign substance removal, then reduces or stops suction to preserve the robot cleaner's overall suction power for its primary cleaning function.
3Productivity
If suction force is increased to prevent clogging, then discharge efficiency improves, but user comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction force is applied periodically with controlled intensity and duration. The controller manages the suction cycles to achieve effective discharge of foreign substances while limiting the intensity and duration of suction events, thereby maintaining user comfort during the automatic discharge process. The periodic nature of the suction prevents excessive force that would cause discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force parameters (intensity, duration, frequency) are dynamically adjusted during the discharge process. The controller modifies these parameters to optimize discharge efficiency while keeping the suction force within comfortable limits for the user. By changing parameters adaptively, the system achieves effective discharge without causing user discomfort.
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
This solution enhances the discharge efficiency of foreign substances, maintains the suction power of the robot cleaner, and prevents user discomfort by ensuring effective cleaning and maintenance of the dust container.
Implementation Method 1
a second suction device configured to, upon the robot cleaner being coupled thereto, communicate with the dust container and suction air
Implementation Method 2
a trapping portion configured to capture foreign substances moving together with the air by the second suction device being driven
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus comprises: a robot cleaner including a dust collection canister and a first suction device; and a docking station including a second suction device, which communicates with the dust container to suck air including foreign substances from the dust container in response to the robot cleaner being coupled to the docking station, and a trapping portion to capture the foreign substances included in the sucked air. The robot cleaner includes: a communication unit; and a control unit to control the first suction device in response to the robot cleaner being coupled to the docking station, controlling the communication unit to transmit a control command to the docking station, and periodically changing the suction force of either the first suction device and the second suction device.