Debris bins and mobile cleaning robots including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile cleaning robots face challenges in efficiently retaining and removing debris bins during operation, as they can become dislodged or not properly seated, affecting airflow and cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cleaning robot design featuring a bin retention system with a latch mechanism and handle that transitions between locking and releasing positions, ensuring secure bin retention and easy removal, along with a filter presence system to prevent operation without a properly installed filter unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bin retention system with latch mechanism is implemented, then the bin security during operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on bin insertion and removal actions. The spring-loaded latch automatically locks when the bin is inserted and releases when the handle is pivoted, eliminating the need for manual locking operations while maintaining secure retention during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves as an intermediary mechanism that translates user input into latch mechanism activation. By pivoting the handle, the user indirectly actuates the latch through the cam feature, providing a mechanical advantage and intuitive interface for bin retention control without directly manipulating the latch itself.
2Ease of operation
If a handle mechanism is added for bin removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is integrated with the latch mechanism such that a single component serves dual purposes: providing a grip for bin removal and actuating the latch release. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate release levers or buttons, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle is designed to pivot between stored and raised positions, dynamically changing its orientation from horizontal to vertical. This dynamic movement allows the handle to engage different mechanical features during insertion and removal operations, providing intuitive tactile feedback and simplified user interaction.
3Reliability
If the latch member is spring loaded, then the automatic engagement is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded latch member changes its physical state between engaged and disengaged positions based on applied force. The spring constant and preload are carefully selected to provide sufficient engagement force during normal operation while allowing easy release when the handle is actuated, creating a bistable system that tolerates manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides cushioning during the latch engagement process, absorbing impact forces and tolerating minor misalignments. This elastic compliance compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the latch and bin interface, ensuring reliable engagement without requiring extremely precise manufacturing.
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
The solution ensures secure bin retention during operation, preventing dislodgment and ensuring proper airflow, while allowing easy removal and replacement, and prevents the robot from operating without a correctly installed filter unit, enhancing cleaning efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a blower operative to generate a supply air flow
Implementation Method 2
The filter unit is disposed in the debris bin and in a path of the supply air flow
Implementation Method 3
The bin retention system includes a latch mechanism selectively movable between a locking position, wherein the latch mechanism prevents displacement of the debris bin from the bin seating
Implementation Method 4
the latch portion includes a cam feature that displaces the latch member as the handle is transitioned form the stored position to the raised position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mobile cleaning robot comprising a removable filter, a filter seat, a filter access opening, a filter access door pivotable between a closed position and a filter presence system configured to permit the filter access door to move from the open position into the closed position when the filter unit is disposed in the filter seat and prevent the filter access door from being moved into the closed position when the filter unit is not disposed in the filter seat. The presence system includes a lift arm movable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the access door is open, the lift arm assumes the extended position to receive the filter unit in the seat and moving the access door from the open position into the closed position when the filter unit is disposed in the seat causes the lift arm to move to the retracted position.