Robot-Mapped Modular Air Purifier System for Complex Indoor Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air purifiers are not customizable to fit unique residential environments with complex shapes and configurations, making it difficult for consumers to find a suitable air purifier for their specific indoor spaces, especially those with unusual shapes or varying air quality.
Innovation Solution
An air purifying system comprising a robot cleaner and multiple air purifiers that use map information to adapt and optimize air cleaning operations, allowing for customizable and cooperative air purification across various zones and areas within a space, including the use of a base and portable air purifiers that can be strategically placed to ensure comprehensive air cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed-size air purifier is used, then manufacturing and design are simplified, but it cannot adapt to various shapes and sizes of indoor spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The air purifying system is divided into a base air purifier and multiple portable air purifiers that can be separately deployed. The base unit provides core functionality while portable units can be strategically placed in different zones of the indoor space, allowing the system to adapt to various space configurations without requiring a completely different design for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable setup. Portable air purifiers can be moved and repositioned based on the specific layout and air quality needs of different indoor spaces, enabling the system to dynamically adapt to various environmental conditions and space geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular air purification system is implemented, then customization for different environments is enabled, but assembly and configuration become complex requiring expert intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The base air purifier serves as a universal platform that can function independently or in combination with portable units. The standardized interface and communication protocol between components allow for easy configuration without requiring expert knowledge, as the system can automatically detect and adapt to the deployed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic configuration capabilities where the base air purifier and portable units can self-identify and establish optimal communication and control relationships without manual setup. This reduces the need for expert intervention while maintaining customization benefits.
3Productivity
If multiple air purifiers are deployed, then comprehensive air cleaning coverage is achieved, but system control and coordination become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where portable air purifiers communicate air quality data and operational status to the base unit, which then coordinates their operation. This centralized control with distributed sensing allows multiple units to work cooperatively, optimizing air cleaning coverage while simplifying user interaction through a single control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple air purifiers are merged into a unified system under the coordination of the base unit. The base air purifier aggregates control functions and processes data from all portable units, creating a coordinated network that achieves comprehensive coverage while presenting a simplified control interface to users.
4Adaptability or versatility
If portable air purifiers are used, then flexibility in placement is improved, but stability and support become challenges
Solution Approach 1:
Portable air purifiers are designed to be nested within or supported by the base air purifier when not in use. This nesting arrangement provides stable storage and support for the portable units, ensuring their operational reliability while maintaining the flexibility to be deployed in various locations when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air purifying system includes a robot cleaner configured to generate map information during vacuum cleaning and at least one air purifier that is operated based on the generated map information. Air purifying is performed using updated map information acquired by the robot cleaner during cleaning. The at least one air purifier includes two portable air purifiers mounted on a base air purifier. The two portable air purifiers are configured to be lifted from the base air purifier and moved to separate indoor rooms. The base air purifier includes a controller that determines, based on the generated map information and other information, which rooms the two portable air purifiers should be placed in so that air purifying may be efficient.