Robot cleaner station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaner stations have limitations such as occupying valuable indoor space, potential collisions with users or pets, and inefficient dust collection and water management, which can lead to scattering of dust and leakage of wastewater.
Innovation Solution
A built-in robot cleaner station designed to be installed at the lower side of kitchen furniture, featuring a drawer system that allows easy maintenance and access, integrated dust collection, duster washing, and drying capabilities, and mechanisms to prevent hose and wire tangling and dust/water leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robot cleaner charging station is disposed inside a building, then the robot cleaner can be charged and maintained, but it occupies valuable indoor space and creates collision risks with users or pets
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner station is nested within the lower space of kitchen furniture, specifically utilizing the area beneath the kitchen sink. This nesting approach allows the charging station to be housed within existing furniture structure, eliminating the need for separate dedicated space while maintaining full charging and maintenance functionality.
2Reliability
If a station with dust collection function is installed, then dust can be collected from the robot cleaner, but the space of the station increases and may damage the interior of the indoor
Solution Approach 1:
The dust collection function is merged with the charging station by integrating a dust bag into the same housing structure. The dust collection outlet communicates with the dust bin, allowing dust to be emptied into the bag without requiring separate dedicated space for dust storage. This combines multiple functions (charging, dust collection, water drainage) into a single integrated unit.
3Ease of operation
If the robot cleaner is washed using a separate washing device, then the duster can be cleaned, but the device cannot charge the robot cleaner or collect dust, requiring a separate charging station
Solution Approach 1:
The station is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that simultaneously provides charging, dust collection, duster washing, and water drainage capabilities. The housing contains all necessary components: power supply module for charging, dust bag for dust collection, water supply and drainage systems for washing. This eliminates the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system.
4Ease of manufacture
If hoses and wires are laid out freely for water supply and power, then connections are simple, but they become tangled when the drawer is pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible protective sleeves or channels are used to guide and contain the hoses and wires. These flexible structures allow the drawer to move in and out while keeping the hoses and wires organized and preventing tangling. The flexible channels accommodate the movement of the drawer while maintaining proper routing of fluid and electrical connections.
5Ease of repair
If the drawer is made accessible for maintenance, then repair and cleaning are easier, but dust and water may leak to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer is equipped with sealing mechanisms such as gaskets or seals that are pre-installed to prevent dust and water leakage. These sealing elements are positioned at the interface between the drawer and the housing, ensuring that when the drawer is opened for maintenance, contaminants are contained. The preliminary placement of seals prepares the system to prevent leakage before any maintenance activity occurs.
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 provides efficient space utilization, prevents collisions and injuries, effectively collects dust and manages water, and allows for easy maintenance and repair of the robot cleaner station, enhancing indoor space efficiency and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor that generates a suction force to suction dust in a dust bin of the robot cleaner
Implementation Method 2
a water supply motor that supplies water to a duster of the robot cleaner through a water supply line
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust motor that generates a suction force to suction water from the duster through a suction line
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner station may include a housing, a drawer configured to be drawn out from the housing, the housing including a seating assembly configured to accommodate a robot cleaner, and a dust collector configured to empty dust of the robot cleaner, the dust collector being configured to be drawn out of the housing with the seating assembly when the drawer is drawn out.