Cleaning system and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems face issues with water splashing, electrical hazards, and docking failures during the washing process of robot cleaners, particularly due to steam discharge and water accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with a station that includes a washing chamber, a heating device to produce steam, and a drying device, which controls airflow to prevent water splashing and electrical hazards by directing steam and air flow effectively, and ensures proper docking through sensor alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is supplied to the washing chamber during the washing process, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water splashing and electrical hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the steam source and the mop. This guide member divides the steam flow into separate paths: one path directs steam to the mop for effective cleaning, while another path directs air flow away from the main body of the cleaner, preventing water splashing and electrical hazards caused by steam-induced water movement
2Quantity of substance
If air flow is increased to the washing chamber during steam supply, then steam dispersal is improved, but water forms around the cleaner main body and station
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow path is segmented into multiple directions using the guide member. The guide member creates distinct flow channels that direct steam and air mixture away from the main body of the cleaner and station areas. This segmentation ensures steam dispersal occurs in controlled zones without causing water to accumulate in sensitive areas where the cleaner and station are located
3Productivity
If the washing process is performed with steam, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but docking failures occur due to water on docking sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member acts as an intermediary that protects the docking area from steam-induced water accumulation. By directing air and steam flow away from the main body and station areas, the guide member ensures docking sensors remain dry and functional, preventing docking failures while maintaining high cleaning efficiency through effective steam washing
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
Prevents water splashing, electrical hazards, and docking failures by managing steam and air flow, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
drive the heating device to heat water supplied from the water storage container to produce steam
Implementation Method 2
drive the drying device to supply air to the washing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system including a cleaner including a main body, and a mop; and a station to which the cleaner is dockable, the station including a washing chamber, a water storage container, a heating device, and a drying device, wherein the station is configured to, while the cleaner is docked to the station, receive the mop in the washing chamber, based on a start of a washing process, drive the heating device to heat water supplied from the water storage container to produce steam which is supplied to the washing chamber, and, while the steam is supplied to the washing chamber, drive the drying device to supply air to the washing chamber so that at least a portion of the air flows to the main body of the cleaner.