Robot Cleaner Tilting Mop Module for Wet and Dry Mopping Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot cleaners are limited in their ability to perform both wet and dry mopping operations efficiently and cannot easily switch between them during a single travel motion, and they lack a detachable cleaning module for convenience.

Innovation Solution

A robot cleaner with a tilting mop module that adjusts its angle of inclination based on the floor surface and travel direction, equipped with a detachable cleaning module that can perform both wet and dry mopping operations using a spin-mop assembly and a module drive unit for controlling the angle of the cleaning module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robot cleaner uses a rotating mop for wet-type mopping, then wet mopping capability is provided, but dry mopping capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning operation typesVSAvoidcleaning module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning module is divided into separable components: a rotating mop assembly for wet mopping and a detachable tilting mop for dry mopping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling the system to perform multiple cleaning operations by combining or separating modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning module is designed with multi-functionality to perform both wet-type mopping using the rotating mop and dry-type mopping using the tilting mop. The universal design allows a single cleaning module to handle multiple cleaning scenarios without requiring separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cleaning module is fixed in structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but ease of replacement and adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule replaceabilityVSAvoidmodule structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning module employs segmentation by separating the tilting mop, rotating mop, and their respective holders into distinct components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing of individual parts while enabling easy replacement and reconfiguration of the complete cleaning module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning module incorporates dynamic elements including a tilting mechanism that allows the tilting mop to adjust its angle relative to the floor, and a rotating mechanism for the spin mop. These dynamic features enhance adaptability to different cleaning surfaces and situations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized mechanical joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the mop operates in a fixed direction, then the mechanism is simple, but cleaning efficiency depending on travel direction is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemopping efficiencyVSAvoidmop orientation control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tilting mop is equipped with a tilting mechanism that dynamically adjusts the angle of the mop head relative to the floor surface based on the robot's travel direction and cleaning requirements. This dynamic orientation control maximizes cleaning efficiency during forward and backward movements without requiring complex multi-axis positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning module utilizes parameter changes by varying the tilt angle of the mop holder to optimize contact between the mop and floor surface. By adjusting this geometric parameter according to travel direction and cleaning needs, the system achieves high productivity without adding significant mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient wet and dry mopping operations during a single travel motion, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the cleaning module, enhancing cleaning versatility and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a spin-mop assembly including a mop pad disposed at a lower side thereof, the mop pad being rotated in a state of being in contact with the floor surface so as to perform a mopping operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

a module drive unit for controlling an angle of inclination of the lower surface of the cleaning module with respect to the floor surface, thereby performing a cleaning operation on a floor surface by controlling the angle of inclination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngle control:

Implementation Method 3

a moving unit for moving the main body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion:

Data Source

PatentEP3485789B1Robotic cleaner
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3485789B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3485789B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3485789B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a robot cleaner. The robot cleaner according to the present invention includes a main body defining an appearance thereof, a moving unit for moving the main body, a cleaning module capable of being brought into contact with a floor surface at at least part of a lower surface thereof, and a module drive unit for controlling an angle of inclination of the lower surface of the cleaning module with respect to the floor surface.