Surface Cleaning Robot Fluid Spraying and Oscillating Pad Scrubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for cleaning tiled floors and countertops, such as using wet mops, require manual effort and may not effectively remove dried soils, while existing autonomous robots lack efficient scrubbing and fluid application mechanisms for thorough cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot equipped with a drive system, a cleaning assembly that includes a pad holder and a fluid applicator, and a controller that executes a cleaning routine involving fluid application and pad movement patterns to effectively scrub and remove soils from surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional wet mops are used for cleaning, then manual effort is required, but cleaning efficacy for removed dried soils is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous surface cleaning robot performs cleaning operations independently without human intervention. The robot autonomously navigates, applies fluid, and executes scrubbing motions, eliminating the need for manual operation while achieving superior cleaning efficacy through consistent, programmed mechanical actions
Solution Approach 2:
The robot incorporates an orbital oscillator that vibrates the cleaning pad at high frequency during the scrubbing phase. This mechanical vibration enables effective removal of dried soils and stubborn contaminants, significantly improving cleaning efficacy compared to traditional static wet mopping
2Extent of automation
If existing autonomous robots are used, then automation is achieved, but scrubbing and fluid application mechanisms are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into distinct functional modules: a fluid applicator for liquid application, a pad holder with orbital oscillator for vibration-based scrubbing, and a controller for coordinating operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both high automation and effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The orbital oscillator mounted on the pad holder generates high-frequency vibrations that transmit to the cleaning pad, enabling effective scrubbing action. This mechanical vibration mechanism provides the necessary scrubbing power that existing autonomous robots lack, while maintaining full automation
Solution Approach 3:
The fluid applicator applies cleaning fluid to the surface before the scrubbing phase begins. This preliminary action prepares the surface by loosening contaminants and reducing friction, enabling the subsequent scrubbing operation to be more effective while the robot remains fully autonomous
3Productivity
If fluid is applied ahead of time, then cleaning preparation is improved, but fluid distribution effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid applicator applies cleaning fluid to the surface immediately before the scrubbing operation commences. This timing optimizes fluid distribution effectiveness by ensuring the fluid is fresh and properly distributed when needed, rather than being applied too early when it might evaporate or be disturbed
Solution Approach 2:
The robot executes the fluid application and scrubbing operations in continuous sequence without interruption. The controller coordinates the fluid applicator and drive system to maintain continuous useful action, eliminating idle preparation time while ensuring optimal fluid distribution for immediate scrubbing
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile floor cleaning robot includes a body defining a forward drive direction, a drive system, a cleaning system, and a controller. The cleaning system includes a pad holder, a reservoir, a sprayer, and a cleaning system. The pad holder has a bottom surface for receiving a cleaning pad. The reservoir holds a volume of fluid, and the sprayer sprays the fluid forward the pad holder. The controller is in communication with the drive and cleaning systems. The controller executes a cleaning routine that includes driving in the forward direction a first distance to a first location, then driving in a reverse drive direction a second distance to a second location. From the second location, the robot sprays fluid in the forward drive direction but rearward the first location. The robot then drives in alternating forward and reverse drive directions while smearing the cleaning pad along the floor surface.