Robot Cleaner Pad Replacement Station for Autonomous Mop Swapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot cleaners require manual replacement of cleaning pads, which is inconvenient and time-consuming for users.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system comprising a robot cleaner with a pad fixing part, a pad detacher, and a cleaner driver, along with a station that includes a pad storage box, a pad coupling part, and a pad supplier, allowing for automatic detachment and attachment of cleaning pads, enabling the robot cleaner to automatically replace pads with new ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pad replacement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot cleaner automatically replaces its own cleaning pad without user intervention. The pad fixing part, pad detacher, and pad supplier work together to enable the robot to detach and attach pads autonomously during cleaning operations, making the system serve itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad replacement function is divided into separate components: pad fixing part for mounting, pad detacher for removal, and pad supplier for providing new pads. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.
2Extent of automation
If automatic pad replacement is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link actuator serves multiple functions: it drives both the lifter to lift the robot body and the pad detacher to remove the cleaning pad. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate actuators needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad detacher mechanism is integrated with the existing lifter structure. The detacher link is rotatably coupled to the detacher holder and works in conjunction with the lifter mechanism, merging functions into a coordinated system rather than adding completely separate components.
3Productivity
If manual pad replacement is required, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the cleaning operation and automatically triggers pad replacement when needed. The system receives feedback about pad status and autonomously initiates the replacement sequence, ensuring continuous productivity without waiting for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad coupling part acts as an intermediary between the pad storage box and the pad fixing part. It temporarily holds the cleaning pad and facilitates the transfer from storage to mounting position, enabling smooth automated replacement without direct complex interaction between storage and attachment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If automatic pad supply is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning pads are pre-stored in the pad storage box at the station before the robot needs them. The pad supplier is ready to provide pads on demand, eliminating the need for users to manually replace pads during extended cleaning operations and maintaining ease of operation.
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 system provides automatic pad replacement, enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring continuous cleaning operations without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pad fixing part and the cleaning pad may include a magnetic body.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a robot cleaner and a station. The robot cleaner includes a pad fixing part on which a cleaning pad is detachably mounted, a lifter to lift a part of the robot cleaner at which the pad fixing part is positioned, and a pad detacher to detach the cleaning pad mounted on the pad fixing part. The station includes a pad storage box in which a cleaning pad that is to be provided to the robot cleaner is stored, a pad coupling part on which a cleaning pad that is to be coupled to the robot cleaner is rested, and a pad supplier to supply the cleaning pad stored in the pad storage box to the pad coupling part.