Robot Cleaner Shutter Mechanism for Adjustable Suction Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners with fixed fan motor capacity struggle to efficiently suction dust due to a constant suction force, which limits their effectiveness in varying cleaning conditions such as different floor types and dust sizes.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner with a movable shutter system that adjusts the suction force by altering the flow path area through the suction port, using a shutter driving device controlled by a controller to open and close suction guide grooves, allowing for variable suction force based on detected surfaces, dust size, and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fan motor with fixed capacity is used, then the device structure is simple, but the suction force cannot be adjusted for different cleaning conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is made movable to dynamically adjust the flow path area of the suction port, transforming the static suction system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different cleaning conditions. The shutter can be positioned at multiple angles to vary the opening area, enabling suction force adjustment without changing the fan motor capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the suction port by adjusting the shutter position. By varying the flow path area through shutter movement, the suction force parameter is modified, allowing the same fan motor to deliver different suction levels appropriate for different floor types and dust sizes.
2Productivity
If the suction guide grooves are always open, then air flow is maximized, but dust removal efficiency varies on different surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter enables dynamic control of the suction guide groove opening based on detected surface conditions. When a carpet or soft surface is detected, the shutter adjusts to optimize airflow for that surface type, thereby improving dust removal efficiency across varied surfaces rather than maintaining a fixed open position.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from the detection unit about the surface type and dust characteristics, then automatically adjusts the shutter position accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the suction force to be adapted to match the actual cleaning conditions, improving productivity on different surfaces.
3Power
If a larger fan motor is used to increase suction force, then dust suction capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing fan motor capacity, the invention changes the flow path area parameter through shutter adjustment. This allows the suction force to be varied by controlling the amount of air intake rather than by motor power, thereby maintaining high suction capability when needed while consuming less energy during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter can partially open the suction port to provide sufficient suction force for light cleaning tasks, avoiding the excessive energy consumption that would result from using a large fan motor at full capacity. The system applies just enough suction force needed for the current cleaning condition.
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 adjustable suction force enhances dust removal efficiency by increasing suction speed and area coverage, effectively cleaning floors and carpets while selectively managing dust sizes, improving overall cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit (20) provided on a lower surface thereof with a suction port (21a) to suction air
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a robot cleaner which adjusts a suction area of air suctioned into a suction port through a shutter and a shutter driving device configured to operate the shutter, so that a flow rate of air is adjusted, thus more effectively suctioning dust in the air by using a fan motor having a fixed capacity.