Robot cleaner and maintenance device for the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners struggle to efficiently remove relatively large-sized or heavy foreign matter during mopping operations, as it tends to remain on the floor due to not clinging to the mop, and also face issues with micro-scale foreign matter being blown away by air flow, reducing the effectiveness of the cleaning performance.
Innovation Solution
The robot cleaner incorporates a sliding module with a collection portion that collects foreign matter, featuring a mop unit, auxiliary collection member, and air channel to ensure foreign matter is retained during turns and movements, and an air channel with a fan to enhance cleaning efficiency by guiding air flow and improving mopping performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional robot cleaner performs a mopping operation with a mop, then micro-scale foreign matter can be removed, but relatively large-sized or heavy foreign matter remains on the floor because it does not cling to the mop surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented into two distinct modules: a mop unit for removing micro-scale foreign matter through contact with the floor, and a collection portion with a bottom portion for collecting relatively large-sized or heavy foreign matter. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in removing different types of foreign matter, thereby improving overall cleaning effectiveness without requiring the mop to handle all types of debris
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom portion acts as an intermediary structure between the floor and the collection portion. It wraps around the rear and side surfaces of the collection space, creating a barrier that prevents large foreign matter from escaping while allowing the mop to continue its cleaning function. This intermediary structure enables the system to capture bulky debris that would otherwise be missed by traditional mopping
2Ease of operation
If the robot cleaner turns or moves rearward while the mop is in contact with the floor, then the robot can navigate the environment, but foreign matter collected at the front end of the contact region is separated from the mop and remains on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom portion is pre-configured to wrap around the rear and side surfaces of the collection space before the robot cleaner begins its cleaning operation. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the robot turns or moves rearward, the foreign matter is already enclosed and prevented from escaping, eliminating the need for additional actions during navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom portion is designed as a flexible wrapping structure that can conform to the shape of the collection space and maintain its enclosing function during robot movement. This flexible design allows the bottom portion to effectively seal the collection space while accommodating the dynamic movements of the robot cleaner during navigation
3Speed
If air flows from the front end of the contact region along the circumference when the robot cleaner moves forward, then the robot can maintain movement, but micro-scale foreign matter flies away without clinging to the mop
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow that would normally cause micro-scale foreign matter to fly away is converted into a beneficial force by the air channel. The air channel guides this air flow to lift and transport foreign matter into the collection portion, transforming a harmful effect into a useful cleaning mechanism that enhances the robot's ability to collect debris
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 solution enables efficient collection and retention of both bulky and micro-scale foreign matter, improving the thoroughness and efficiency of the mopping operation, while the air channel and fan enhance the removal of micro-scale debris and facilitate easy maintenance by preventing air-borne dust.
Implementation Method 1
an air channel with a fan to enhance cleaning efficiency by guiding air flow and improving mopping performance
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a robot cleaner comprising a body, a traveling module configured to move the body, and a sliding module. The sliding module comprises a bottom portion disposed in front of the traveling module, and a collection portion disposed in front of the bottom portion, recessed in an upper direction than the bottom portion, wherein the sliding module supports the body.