Robot Cleaner Protruding Suction Unit with Integrated Obstacle Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face challenges in obstacle sensing performance, suction unit design, and filter replacement convenience, with issues like decreased suction force, increased collision risk, and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner design featuring a suction unit that protrudes from the body with integrated sensing units for enhanced obstacle detection, a bumper switch for collision sensing, and a dust container system with a hinge-based cover for easy assembly and filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the suction unit is disposed to protrude from the cleaner body, then the suction force is improved, but the probability of collision 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 dust collection while automatically retreating to avoid collisions, thus resolving the contradiction between improved suction force and reduced collision probability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit continuously monitors the environment ahead of the suction unit and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. When an obstacle is detected within a predetermined distance, the control unit commands the suction unit to retract. This feedback mechanism enables the suction unit to maintain its protruding position for optimal suction performance while automatically avoiding obstacles, thereby resolving the contradiction between suction force and collision avoidance
2Power
If the suction unit is disposed to protrude 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:
The sensing capability is divided into multiple sensing units positioned at different locations on the cleaner body. In addition to the main sensing unit, auxiliary sensing units are placed on or near the suction unit itself to cover the blind spot area. This segmented sensing approach allows the system to maintain the suction unit's protruding position for effective cleaning while eliminating detection blind spots through distributed sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system transitions from a single-plane detection approach to a multi-dimensional sensing arrangement. Auxiliary sensing units are positioned on the suction unit or cleaner body at strategic locations to provide coverage in previously blind areas. This dimensional expansion of the sensing network enables the suction unit to protrude for optimal suction while eliminating blind spots through spatially distributed detection points
3Ease of repair
If the cleaner body is disassembled to replace or clean the HEPA filter, then the filter maintenance is possible, but the operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The HEPA filter is extracted from the interior of the cleaner body and repositioned to be accessible from the exterior. The filter can be removed and cleaned or replaced without disassembling the cleaner body, as it is now accessible through an external opening or by removing a specific panel. This extraction of the filter from the internal structure eliminates the need for complex disassembly operations while maintaining full filter maintenance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The filter maintenance system is designed to be self-service friendly, allowing users to easily access, remove, clean, and replace the HEPA filter without requiring technical expertise or disassembly tools. The filter is positioned and secured in a manner that enables simple user-friendly maintenance operations, transforming a previously complex repair task into a straightforward self-service procedure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner body including a wheel unit and a controller controlling driving of the wheel unit; a suction unit disposed to protrude from the cleaner body, the suction unit sucking air containing dust; and a sensing unit disposed at the front of the cleaner body in which the suction unit is disposed, wherein at least one portion of the sensing unit is disposed to overlap with the suction unit in the top-bottom direction of the cleaner body.