Robot Cleaner Water Tank Ejection and Level Indication Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners with water tanks face challenges in efficiently managing water levels and residual water, as users cannot easily determine the amount of water remaining and the tanks often retain water due to design limitations.
Innovation Solution
The robot cleaner incorporates a water tank that can be easily withdrawn and features an elastic force provider, air pipe, and damping mechanism to facilitate automatic ejection, along with a light source for water level indication, ensuring easy water supply and prevention of residual water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the water tank is designed to be detachable for easy water refilling, then ease of operation is improved, but residual water remains in the tank due to design limitations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to empty the tank completely through complex mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by using the robot's own weight and motion to automatically eject residual water through a discharge port during normal operation, turning the robot's movement into a water ejection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-emptying of the water tank using the robot cleaner's own operational characteristics (movement and weight), without requiring external intervention or additional power-consuming components, making the water ejection process self-service
2Measurement precision
If the water tank is made transparent or includes viewing windows to show water level, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light emission and color change indicators to show water levels. The lighting unit illuminates the water tank, and the control unit changes display colors (green for sufficient water, red for low water) to provide clear water level information without complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical water level indicators (such as float mechanisms or transparent sections) with an electronic sensing and display system that uses light sensors, control logic, and color-coded visual feedback to indicate water levels
3Productivity
If the robot cleaner includes sensors and automated systems to detect water levels and eject residual water, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner's existing sensors and control system, originally designed for navigation and cleaning operations, are utilized to also detect water levels and control residual water ejection, making the system multi-functional without adding dedicated 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
This design allows for effortless water tank removal and prevents residual water, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency by providing a clear water level indication and ensuring smooth water discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a light source positioned inside the body and preset to emit light through the water tank
Implementation Method 2
an elastic force provider positioned inside the body and configured to provide an elastic force to the water tank in a direction in which the water tank is ejected from the body
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner includes a body defining an exterior appearance of the robot cleaner; a cleaning module coupled to the body and capable of performing cleaning with water. The cleaner also includes a water tank capable of being withdrawn from the body, and storing water to be supplied to the cleaning module. The cleaner also includes a light source inside the body, and positioned to allow emitted light to pass through the water tank and then discharged outside of the body.