Robot Cleaner Station with Steam Sterilization for Mop Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face challenges in maintaining mop cleanliness and efficiency, particularly in preventing bacterial growth and ensuring easy maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus comprising a robot cleaner and a station that supplies steam to the mop, allowing for washing, sterilization, and moisture replenishment, thereby improving ease of use and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the mop is used continuously for cleaning, then cleaning productivity is improved, but bacterial growth and odors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sterilization by injecting hot water (60-90°C) into the mop pad through the nozzle before or between cleaning tasks, preventing bacterial growth proactively rather than waiting for contamination to occur
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization function operates continuously or periodically during mop usage through the integrated pump and nozzle system, maintaining hygienic conditions throughout the cleaning process rather than requiring separate maintenance cycles
2Reliability
If the mop is washed frequently to maintain cleanliness, then mop hygiene is improved, but maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner autonomously performs sterilization of its own mop pad using the integrated hot water injection system, eliminating the need for user intervention in maintenance tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of water injected into the mop pad (heating to 60-90°C) to achieve sterilization效果, transforming the cleaning process from mechanical washing to thermal sterilization that requires less time and user effort
3Reliability
If a station with steam generation device is added, then mop sterilization and moisturization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water storage container and pump system serve multiple functions: supplying water for sterilization, providing moisture to the mop pad, and enabling both washing and steam generation functions through a single integrated architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the steam generation device, water storage container, pump, and nozzle system into an integrated station that merges sterilization, washing, and moisturization functions into one unified device rather than separate systems
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 effectively prevents bacterial growth on the mop, reduces odors, and simplifies maintenance by ensuring the mop remains clean and properly moisturized, enhancing overall cleaning efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generation device configured to generate steam using water stored in the water storage container
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to pump the water stored in the water storage container out of the water storage container
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus including a robot cleaner including a main body having a lower portion to which a mop is detachably mountable; and a station on which the robot cleaner is placeable, the station including a water storage container configured to store water, a washing chamber configured so that, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and a mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the mop is washable in the washing chamber, a steam generation device to generate steam using water from the water storage container, a pump configured to pump the water in the water storage container out of the water storage container, a first pipe to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container to the washing chamber, and a second pipe to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container to the steam generation device.