Robot cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses, such as robot cleaners, face the challenge of foreign substances pouring out of the dust collection unit through the inlet when the unit is carelessly separated from the main body, leading to potential spills and inefficiencies in substance removal.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a shutter mechanism hinged to the inlet of the dust collection unit, which rotates to open and close the inlet, and a cap that opens and closes a connection hole, along with guides and pressure members to support the interlocking protrusions, ensuring the shutter operates effectively to prevent spills and facilitate efficient removal of substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dust collection unit is detachably installed on the main body for easy removal of foreign substances, then the ease of operation is improved, but foreign substances may pour out through the inlet during separation
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is positioned to automatically close the inlet before the dust collection unit is fully separated from the main body. This preliminary action prevents foreign substances from pouring out during the separation process, while still allowing the dust collection unit to be easily detached for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter acts as an intermediary element between the inlet and the foreign substances. By introducing this intermediate component, the system prevents direct contact between the opening inlet and the foreign substances during separation, thus preventing spillage while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the inlet remains open for effective suction of foreign substances, then the productivity is improved, but foreign substances may pour out during separation
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter transitions from an open state during normal operation (allowing effective suction) to a closed state during separation (preventing spillage). This dynamic adjustment of the shutter position allows the system to optimize for productivity during cleaning and prevent harmful spillage during detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter closes the inlet in advance before separation occurs, preventing foreign substances from pouring out while allowing the inlet to remain open during actual cleaning operations for optimal suction efficiency.
3Reliability
If a shutter mechanism is added to prevent foreign substance spillage, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is designed to automatically open and close based on the attachment and detachment of the dust collection unit, without requiring external control systems. The mechanical interaction between the dust collection unit and main body directly actuates the shutter, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism is integrated with the existing attachment structure of the dust collection unit. By combining the attachment/detachment motion with the shutter opening/closing motion, the patent adds spillage prevention functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot cleaning apparatus (1) including a main body (10), a dust collection unit (20) detachably installed on the main body (10) and provided with a plurality of inlets (20a,20b), through which foreign substances are introduced into the dust collection unit (20), and a connection hole (20g), to which an external instrument (V) is connected, a shutter (22) to open and close the first inlet (20a), and a cap (24) to open and close the connection hole (20g). The shutter (22) opens and closes the first inlet (20a) in cooperation with one of whether or not the dust collection unit (20) is attached to or detached from the main body (10) and whether or not the connection hole (20g) is opened or closed.