Robot Cleaner with Detachable Suction Module for Multi-Surface Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robot cleaners are limited in their ability to clean spaces other than the floor and require manual intervention for effective dust suction, as they cannot enter areas with heights less than their own and suffer from degraded suction performance when used manually.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner design featuring a main body with a suction motor, a moving unit, and a modular suction system that protrudes from the body, allowing for cleaning of areas inaccessible to the main body and enabling manual or automatic operation with enhanced dust suction control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the robot cleaner is operated while being put on the floor, then the cleaning operation can be performed on the floor surface, but the space other than the floor surface cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The suction module is separated from the main body and can be detached, allowing it to be used independently for cleaning various spaces including floors, tables, and other surfaces, thereby expanding cleaning coverage beyond what the main body can access
Solution Approach 2:
The suction module is designed to be multi-functional, capable of cleaning different surfaces (floor, table, window sill, etc.) by being detached and manually positioned, making the system universally applicable to various cleaning scenarios
2Area of stationary object
If the robot cleaner enters a space with height smaller than its own height, then the cleaning operation can be performed in that space, but the robot cleaner cannot move to the space
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the suction module from the main body, the system can access narrow spaces through the small suction module while the main body remains in open areas, overcoming the mobility limitation of the complete robot cleaner
Solution Approach 2:
The suction module acts as an intermediary that can be inserted into narrow spaces inaccessible to the main body, enabling cleaning in confined areas while the main body provides power and control from accessible locations
3Volume of moving object
If the suction module is located inside the main body, then the main body structure is compact, but the cleaning operation cannot be performed in spaces where the main body cannot enter
Solution Approach 1:
The suction module is designed as a detachable segment that can be separated from the main body and used independently, allowing it to access narrow spaces and various surfaces while the main body maintains a compact structure for easy storage and handling
Solution Approach 2:
The suction module can be extended outward from the main body in different directions as needed, transforming the system from a fixed compact form to an extended configuration that reaches into previously inaccessible spaces
4Ease of operation
If the suction passage is opened for manual cleaning operation, then the user can manually perform cleaning, but the dust suction performance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The suction passage includes a movable blocking member that can dynamically switch between open and closed states, allowing the system to adapt between manual operation mode (open) and automatic cleaning mode (closed), optimizing performance for each operational context
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 effective cleaning of both floor and elevated spaces, prevents suction performance degradation during manual operation, and allows for easy movement and automatic following of user movement, enhancing cleaning convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a suction motor; a suction passage extending from the first suction module to the suction motor
Data Source
AI summary
A robot cleaner includes a main body having a suction motor; a moving unit to automatically move the main body; and a suction module to be in communication with the suction motor and to clean a floor, wherein an accommodating portion in which a part of the suction module is accommodated is provided at a lower portion of a front side of the main body, and while the suction module is located in the accommodating portion, a part of the suction module is disposed to be vertically overlapped with the main body, and another part of the suction module protrudes toward both sides from a front portion of the main body, and still another part of the suction module protrudes to a front of the main body.