Robot Cleaner with Extendable Cleaning Module for Low-Height Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robot cleaners are limited in cleaning areas with heights less than that of the cleaner main body, such as under furniture, due to a fixed cleaning module position and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A robot cleaner with a cleaning module that is relatively movable with respect to the cleaner main body, utilizing a connection unit with a variable length, including a flexible tube and a driving unit with a rack-and-pinion mechanism, allowing the cleaning module to protrude and extend for effective cleaning in restricted spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning module is fixed on the cleaner main body, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning area is limited and cannot reach low-height spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning module is made movable relative to the cleaner main body through a connection unit with variable length. The driving unit extends or retracts the connection unit, allowing the cleaning module to dynamically adjust its position and reach low-height spaces under furniture, thereby expanding the cleaning area while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaner main body has large height to accommodate dust collecting device, then dust collection capacity is sufficient, but the cleaner cannot enter low-height areas
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner is divided into two functional segments: the cleaner main body that maintains its original height and dust collection capacity, and the separable cleaning module that can be extended forward. The connection unit with variable length allows the cleaning module to protrude from the main body, enabling the main body to keep a compact size while the cleaning module reaches low-height areas independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection unit has fixed length, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning module cannot extend to reach restricted spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection unit is designed with variable length capability through the driving unit, which extends or retracts the connection between the cleaner main body and the cleaning module. This dynamic adjustment allows the cleaning module to reach restricted spaces under furniture while the connection unit maintains a compact form when retracted, balancing reach distance with structural simplicity.
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
Enlarges the cleaning area by enabling the cleaning module to enter spaces below the height of the cleaner main body, effectively cleaning areas like under sofas, beds, and tables, enhancing the robot's cleaning capability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tube which is fixed to the outer case and the inner case respectively, and of which at least a part is provided to extend or contract according to the relative movement of the inner case
Implementation Method 2
a driving unit with a rack-and-pinion mechanism, allowing the cleaning module to protrude and extend
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a robot cleaner comprising: a cleaner main body to which a dust collecting device is mounted; a cleaning module which is configured to be movable relative to the cleaner main body and performs the function of cleaning a floor; a connection unit which is connected to each of the cleaner main body and the cleaning module and is configured to have a variable length; and a driving unit configured to change the length of the connection unit.