Robot Cleaner Water Pump Control for Adaptive Mop Moisture Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot cleaners lack the ability to control the amount of water supplied to the mop based on the cleaning environment, leading to inefficient cleaning, potential water marks, and residual water issues, which cannot be effectively managed by existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner system with a detachable water container and a water pump controlled by an external device, allowing users to set the water supply amount and mode through a control screen, enabling real-time adjustment based on moisture content and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the amount of moisture supplied to the mop is increased to improve cleaning performance on heavily contaminated floors, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water marks may occur on floors that are not heavily contaminated or do not absorb moisture well
Solution Approach 1:
The water pump operates in multiple modes (first operating mode and second operating mode) with different water supply amounts. The control unit dynamically switches between modes based on detected floor conditions, allowing the system to adapt water supply to match actual cleaning needs and prevent water marks
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the water supply parameter by adjusting the pump's operating mode. The control unit modifies the water flow rate based on detected contamination levels and floor absorption characteristics, optimizing the balance between cleaning effectiveness and preventing excessive moisture
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the robot cleaner starts cleaning operation with a dry mop to avoid water marks, then floor damage is prevented, but the time taken for the mop to reach suitable moisture content increases, reducing cleaning efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary wetting of the mop before full cleaning operation begins. The water pump supplies water in advance to bring the mop to appropriate moisture level, so that cleaning can start immediately without delay while preventing floor damage
Solution Approach 2:
The water pump operates periodically with different duty cycles. During initial periods, it supplies water to wet the mop; during later periods, it adjusts supply based on ongoing cleaning conditions, creating a time-based control strategy that addresses both premature and excessive wetting issues
3Device complexity
If the robot cleaner uses a simple on/off control for the water pump to reduce system complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control water supply amount according to cleaning environment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from sensors that detect floor conditions, contamination levels, and mop moisture content. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the water pump's operating mode, creating a closed-loop control system that provides environmental adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the water pump in different operating modes, monitors floor conditions, detects mop moisture content, and automatically adjusts water supply parameters. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate components into a single intelligent controller
4Productivity
If the robot cleaner supplies sufficient water to the mop for effective cleaning, then cleaning performance is improved, but residual water remains in the cleaner after cleaning, causing contamination and odors
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit applies partial water supply during cleaning by using the first operating mode with controlled water flow. This provides sufficient moisture for effective cleaning while avoiding excessive water that would remain as harmful residue, achieving the optimal balance between cleaning performance and residual water prevention
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
This system allows for precise control of water supply, improving cleaning efficiency, quickly wetting the mop at the start of operations, and effectively managing residual water, enhancing user convenience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump (143) coupled to the water container (141) and supplying water to the mop (30, 40) through a water supply tube (142)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a robot cleaner capable of controlling a water pump of a robot cleaner by a user input through an external control device, a robot cleaning system having the same, and a control method of the robot cleaning system. According to the present invention, user convenience is increased since the amount of water supplied to the mop of the robot cleaner can be controlled according to a cleaning environment, cleaning efficiency is improved by controlling the water pump to quickly wet the mop of the robot cleaner at the beginning of a cleaning operation, and the robot cleaner can be hygienically managed since a user controls the water pump to discharge residual water inside the robot cleaner.