Robot, system and method for cleaning a surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household cleaning devices, such as vacuum cleaners and mops, are often used separately, leading to increased maintenance efforts and redundant development and production costs due to their independent design and functionality, with robots and handheld devices failing to fully meet user needs.
Innovation Solution
A robot with a connecting element that can be connected to a handheld cleaning device, allowing for a synergistic combination where the handheld device is either manually or automatically controlled by the robot, reducing maintenance and development redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot and handheld cleaning device are used separately, then each device can be independently optimized for specific cleaning tasks, but maintenance effort and development costs double due to redundant components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the robot and handheld cleaning device into a unified system where the handheld device can be attached to the robot. The robot provides autonomous navigation and positioning capabilities, while the handheld device provides versatile cleaning functions. This merging allows the system to perform both autonomous floor cleaning and manual cleaning tasks without requiring two completely separate devices, thereby reducing maintenance effort and development costs while maintaining adaptability.
2Extent of automation
If a robot is designed with integrated cleaning functions, then it can operate autonomously, but the housing size increases limiting access to narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cleaning system into two parts: a compact robot unit that provides autonomous navigation and positioning, and a separate handheld cleaning device that can be attached when needed. The robot housing remains small and maneuverable for autonomous operation, while the cleaning functions are distributed to the handheld device which has its own power source and cleaning mechanisms. This segmentation allows the robot to access narrow spaces without requiring a large integrated housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate cleaning devices are manufactured independently, then each can be optimized for specific functions, but production costs and development time increase due to redundant component development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system where the robot and handheld cleaning device can function independently or in combination. The handheld device serves multiple purposes: it can be used manually for spot cleaning, attached to the robot for enhanced autonomous cleaning, or stored when not needed. This multi-functionality allows manufacturers to develop a shared platform with common components (such as battery technology, cleaning mechanisms, and control systems) that can be used across different product configurations, reducing development costs and production complexity while maintaining versatile functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A robot (100, 204, 308, 402, 502) with a housing (102, 214, 312, 408, 506), with a drive unit (104, 216, 314, 410, 508), with a battery (106, 219, 317, 418, 511) and with a control unit (108, 218, 316, 412, 510) is described, wherein the robot (100, 204, 308, 402, 502) is characterized in that a connecting element (110, 220, 332, 414) is provided for connection with a hand cleaning device (210, 310, 404, 504). Furthermore, a system (200, 300, 400, 500) for cleaning a surface (202, 302) with a robot (100, 204, 308, 402, 502) and with a hand cleaning device (210, 310, 404, 504) and a method for operating a system (200, 300, 400, 500) are described.