Robot Cleaner Station With Integrated Mop Washing and Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners face challenges in ease of use, cleaning efficiency, and mop maintenance, particularly in managing steam supply and mop cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus comprising a robot cleaner with a detachable mop and a station that includes a water storage container, steam generation device, and washing chamber, allowing for automated mop washing, steam supply, and drying operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot cleaner includes integrated mop washing and steam generation functions, then cleaning efficiency and ease of use are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (mop washing, steam generation, water storage, and drying) into a single integrated station unit. The washing chamber, steam generation device, water storage container, and drying device are all merged into one compact system that automatically services the robot cleaner's mop, eliminating the need for separate maintenance equipment and improving ease of use despite the increased internal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The station is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform various operations: storing water, washing the mop, generating steam for sanitization, and drying the mop. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple separate tools, improving operational convenience while consolidating complexity into one versatile unit.
2Productivity
If the station includes automated washing and steam generation systems, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The station enables the robot cleaner to service its own mop automatically. The system includes automated water pumping, washing chamber operation, steam generation, and drying functions that work without manual intervention. The robot cleaner positions itself on the station, and the station automatically performs washing, steam treatment, and drying cycles, significantly improving cleaning efficiency while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The station prepares the mop in advance for optimal cleaning performance by automatically washing, steaming, and drying it between cleaning sessions. The water storage container is pre-filled, and the system automatically initiates washing and steam generation cycles when the robot returns to the station, ensuring the mop is always ready for efficient cleaning operations without requiring user preparation.
3Ease of operation
If the station provides comprehensive mop maintenance functions, then ease of use is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The station incorporates sensors and control systems that monitor the washing, steam generation, and drying processes. The system detects when the robot cleaner is positioned on the station, automatically initiates appropriate maintenance cycles, and tracks the status of each operation. This feedback mechanism simplifies user interaction while managing the complexity of monitoring multiple functions through automated detection and control.
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
Enhances user convenience by simplifying mop maintenance and improving cleaning efficiency through automated steam generation and washing processes.
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
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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.