Detachable Robot Cleaner Mop Module With Elastic Hook Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot cleaners with a mop module face challenges such as limited water capacity and inefficient floor wiping due to spatial constraints and small mop area, limiting their effectiveness in cleaning functions.

Innovation Solution

A detachable mop module with an elastic hook mechanism and pressing members allows for easy installation and detachment, providing a larger water capacity and improved wiping efficiency, while also allowing for a cyclone unit configuration that enhances dust separation and air flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mop is attached to the bottom surface of the cleaner body, then the floor wiping function is provided, but the water filling space is small and the mop area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor wiping functionVSAvoidwater filling space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the cleaning system into two separate modules: a main cleaner body for dust suction and a detachable mop module for floor wiping. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, enabling the mop module to have sufficient water filling space and mop area without compromising the cleaner body's suction performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable mop module can be attached to the cleaner body when floor wiping is needed and removed when not needed. This multi-functional design allows the robot cleaner to perform both dust suction and floor wiping functions, increasing adaptability while maintaining sufficient space for water filling in the mop module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mop is attached to the bottom surface of the cleaner body, then the floor wiping function is provided, but the mop area is small leading to inefficient wiping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor wiping functionVSAvoidwiping efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the mop function into a dedicated detachable module, the mop can be designed with a larger effective wiping area without constraining the cleaner body's dimensions. This segmentation enables more efficient floor coverage per cleaning pass.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mop module extends the cleaning capability beyond the limited bottom surface area of the cleaner body by adding a separate, larger-area mop component that contacts the floor, effectively increasing the wiping dimension and area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of stationary object

If a detachable mop module is used, then the water filling space is increased, but the installation and detachment operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater filling spaceVSAvoidinstallation and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hook mechanism incorporates elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adapt during attachment and detachment operations. The elastic hooks can deform to accommodate the module body during installation and release during detachment, making the operation smoother and easier despite the detachable design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic hook mechanism automatically engages with the cleaner body upon insertion of the module body, and automatically releases when the pressing member is actuated. This self-serving mechanism reduces the complexity of manual installation and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If elastic hooks are used for detachable mounting, then the installation is made easier, but the mechanism requires additional components increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinstallationVSAvoidhook mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses elastic hooks made from flexible materials that can deform elastically. This flexible structure provides the necessary attachment and release functionality without requiring complex mechanical components, motors, or sensors, thereby maintaining simplicity while enabling easy installation and detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables a robot cleaner to effectively perform floor wiping and dust removal tasks with enhanced efficiency and cleaning performance, reducing noise and vibrations, and improving spatial design for better functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic transformation portion connected to the hook body, and elastically transformed by an external force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic transformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

configured to elastically transform the hook in a pressing manner when moved in one direction by a pressing operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic transformation by pressing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3031376B1Mop module and robot cleaner having the same
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3031376B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3031376B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3031376B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A mop module for a robot cleaner includes: a module body detachably coupled to a cleaner body; and a mop mounted to the module body, and configured to wipe a floor as the cleaner body moves, wherein the module body includes: a hook protruding from the module body, and detachably mounted to the cleaner body by being elastically transformed; and a pressing member installed at the module body so as to be moveable in two opposite directions, and configured to elastically transform the hook in a pressing manner when moved in one direction by a pressing operation.