Robot Cleaner with Tilting Mop Module for Wet and Dry Mopping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot cleaners are limited in their ability to perform both wet and dry mopping operations efficiently and cannot easily switch between them, and they lack a detachable cleaning module for convenient maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A robot cleaner with a tilting mop module that adjusts its angle of inclination for efficient mopping based on the floor surface and direction, combined with a detachable spin-mop assembly for wet and dry mopping operations, allowing for simultaneous performance of both types of cleaning during a single travel motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robot cleaner uses a rotating mop for wet-type mopping, then it can perform wet cleaning effectively, but it cannot perform dry wiping operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning operation typesVSAvoidcleaning module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning module is divided into detachable components: a spin-mop assembly for wet mopping and a separate wiping module with a tilting plate for dry cleaning. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while enabling the robot to perform both wet and dry cleaning operations by switching between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning module is designed to accommodate multiple cleaning functions through detachable assemblies. The same module housing and drive mechanism support both the spin-mop assembly (for wet mopping) and the wiping module (for dry cleaning), making the system universal and multi-functional without requiring completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of repair

If the cleaning module is fixed in structure, then it is simple to manufacture, but it cannot be easily replaced or maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning module replacementVSAvoidmodule attachment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning module employs detachable components including the spin-mop assembly, wiping module, and coupler that can be easily separated from the main body. This segmentation enables users to remove and replace cleaning modules conveniently for maintenance or when different cleaning functions are needed, without requiring complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the mop maintains a fixed angle, then the structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently adapt to different floor surfaces and traveling directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemopping efficiencyVSAvoidmop angle control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tilting plate in the wiping module is designed to rotate about a rotational axis, allowing the wiping surface to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the floor. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the mop to adapt to different floor surfaces and traveling directions, optimizing cleaning efficiency without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11253126B2Robot cleaner

Publication Date: 2022.02.22 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A robot cleaner includes a main body, 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.